MUZAFFARABAD: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Punjab governments is most likely to be signed within the next month for launching the Safe City Project in the territory’s three divisional headquarters with the cooperation of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority.

This was announced by AJK’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) retired Captain Liaqat Ali Malik while talking to senior journalists at his office, here on Tuesday.

The IGP said the state-of-the-art initiative would introduce AI-based monitoring, facial recognition technology, e-challan facilities and other modern policing tools aimed at improving public safety, traffic management and crime prevention.

“The objective is not merely to install cameras but to establish an integrated, technology-driven policing system capable of improving emergency response, strengthening crime detection and enhancing overall public security,” Mr Malik said.

He said that after signing the MoU, a comprehensive ground survey would be conducted within a month to identify locations for control rooms and installations required at entry and exit points.

According to him, the project will initially be implemented in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Mirpur before being expanded to other parts of AJK through revenue generated by the system itself.

Mr Malik expressed confidence that the Safe City Project would help improve traffic flow and support evidence-based policing and effective crime control.

Referring to counter-terrorism measures, the IGP said he had succeeded in securing federal approval for the long-pending Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) project.

He said the federal government would provide Rs1.90 billion for buildings, vehicles, arms and ammunition, communications infrastructure and specialised equipment, while the AJK government had approved the creation of 472 posts for the department.

“This is a highly sensitive and important domain requiring specialised manpower, modern infrastructure and swift operational capability,” he said, adding that a separate post of deputy inspector general (DIG) should also be created for the CTD.

“A dedicated department of such importance requires an officer of DIG rank exclusively focused on operational readiness, intelligence coordination and timely decision-making,” he observed.

Regarding the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections, Mr Malik said the police had completed preliminary preparations to ensure peaceful and orderly polls.

“As soon as the election schedule is announced, consultations with all stakeholders regarding deployment requirements will begin. Decisions in such matters are made collectively in accordance with ground realities and security assessments,” he said.

Mr Malik said AJK had 60 police stations, 30 police posts and 27 check posts with a total strength of around 9,800 personnel, but after routine deployments only around 2,000 personnel remained available for operational duties.

He said an additional 4,000 to 5,000 personnel might be required during the elections, which would be arranged in consultation with the Election Commission.

Responding to a question about the strike call announced by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for June 9, the IGP said the police respected the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest.

“As long as demonstrations remain peaceful and within the ambit of law, there will be no action against any citizen,” he said. “I hope people have developed greater civic responsibility and realise that public infrastructure and property ultimately belong to them.”

The IGP said work was also under way on establishing an Elite Force, a Cyber Crime Force and a Quick Response Force (QRF) to further strengthen policing capacity in AJK.

Highlighting the comparatively low crime rate in the territory, he said the overall number of criminal cases registered in AJK this year remained below 5,000, with hardcore crimes accounting for only a small proportion. Mr Malik said improving public access to police officers remained among his priorities.

“I have instructed officers at all levels to keep their doors open for the public because easy access to the competent authority helps resolve grievances quickly and strengthens trust between the police and the community,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026