RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Safe City Control and Command Building will be completed within the next two months.

Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth visited the under-construction building of the Safe City Authority which is now entering its final stage of completion.

Commissioner Rawalpindi and senior officials from the Communication and Works (C&W) Department were also present. The minister highlighted the commitment of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to accelerate the development of innovative infrastructure across the province.

He noted that the construction of the Safe City Authority building was progressing rapidly. Officials of Building Department in a briefing said the project encompasses a total area of 63,000 square feet with the basement, ground floor, and first floor already completed.

Minister says additional funding will be ensured to complete project on time

The finishing work is currently underway with civil construction expected to be finalised within the next 60 days. Additionally, the installation of imported materials is projected to be completed within four months.

Furthermore, arrangements have been made to facilitate limited operational capabilities for the Safe City Authority during the transitional phase.

The minister said additional funding will be allocated promptly to ensure the timely completion of the project.

He also visited the Safe City Authority Data Centre where he commended the efforts of the C&W department and asked them to expedite the project’s completion.

This initiative is a testament to the Punjab government’s dedication to enhancing public safety and modernising urban infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient environment for the citizens.

It may be mentioned that 1,886 cameras under Rawalpindi Safe City Project have been installed at 306 locations to make the city safe.

A Punjab Police Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre in Rawalpindi has also been set up and the security arrangements in the city were being monitored through cameras on the digital wall. Under the Safe City project, cameras have been installed on all major highways and business centres and connected to the control room.

During the protests of PTI, TLP and Jamaat-i-Islami, the administration and police monitored the city through these cameras.

The district administration officials said cameras had become fully functional in inner city at COD Chowk, Fuji Foundation Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Raja Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Commercial Market, Ali Chauhan Chowk, Ayub Park, Jinnah Park, Chaklala Railway Station, Gulzar-i-Quaid, Faizabad Metro Station, Pirwadhai Mor Stop, Saddar Bank Road, Qasim Market, 22 No Bakra Mandi Chowk, Kutchery Chowk, Rawal Road, Committee Chowk, Tench Bhatta, Chakri Road and at important locations of Murree Road.

The officials said the traffic police will soon start e-challan with the help of Safe City cameras like it was being practiced in Lahore. The e-challan will be issued if the front and rear indicators of the motorcycle are not installed, motorcyclists do not wear helmets, non-pattern number plates are used, both the front and rear number plates of the bike are not clear and registered with the excise department.

Iqra varsity students visit Safe City

A delegation of Iqra University students visited Safe City Islamabad under the Friends of Police internship programme, where they were welcomed by SSP Safe City Shoaib Khan on Saturday.

A public relations officer told APP that the delegation visited the command and control centre, data hub unit, modern technology-equipped cameras, online women police station and the police operations hall.

They were briefed about the procedures and advantages of the project. Furthermore, the students were informed that Safe City Islamabad was playing a significant role in various departments through modern techniques.

The delegation was also apprised of the functionality and benefits of the Safe City cameras. Modern cameras of Safe City are playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the city, preventing crimes and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens. Around 42pc of crimes are resolved through the Safe City Command and Control Centre.

Face recognition cameras have been installed at the entry and exit points of the city which are playing an important role in identifying suspicious elements, he added.

The delegation acknowledged the modern technical system of the police and its benefits.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024