Senate Questions Security of Foreign Software Used in Islamabad Safe City Surveillance System
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has raised serious concerns about the use of foreign software in the Islamabad Safe City surveillance system. The issue was discussed during a recent committee meeting, where officials provided a detailed briefing on the cybersecurity measures currently in place to safeguard the capital’s monitoring infrastructure.
Members of the committee reviewed the security framework of the Safe City project in light of growing global concerns about cyber attacks targeting surveillance and traffic management networks. Lawmakers emphasized the need to thoroughly assess the technological backbone of the system to ensure that it remains protected against potential digital threats.
Officials associated with the Safe City initiative explained that several layers of cybersecurity protocols are deployed to protect the network from unauthorized access or cyber intrusions. They assured the committee that monitoring mechanisms, firewalls, and other protective technologies are actively working to prevent vulnerabilities within the system.
Despite these assurances, senators highlighted the potential risks associated with relying on foreign technology for critical national infrastructure. They stressed that surveillance systems, especially those responsible for monitoring traffic, law enforcement, and public safety, must be secured with the highest level of data protection.
The discussion was also influenced by recent international incidents in which traffic camera systems and urban surveillance networks were reportedly targeted by cyber attackers. These cases raised alarms among policymakers, prompting them to examine whether similar threats could affect Pakistan’s own digital infrastructure.
Committee members urged authorities to conduct continuous security audits and vulnerability assessments of the Islamabad Safe City system. They also recommended strengthening local technological capabilities to reduce dependency on external software providers.
The Safe City project plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the federal capital. Through an extensive network of cameras and data monitoring tools, the system assists law enforcement agencies in traffic management, crime prevention, and emergency response operations.
Given the importance of such infrastructure, senators emphasized that cybersecurity must remain a top priority. They called for improved coordination between technology experts, security agencies, and government institutions to ensure that surveillance systems remain resilient against emerging cyber threats.
The committee concluded that while the Safe City project has significantly enhanced public safety in Islamabad, regular upgrades and strict oversight are necessary to maintain its security and efficiency in the face of evolving digital risks.
