To ensure the security of the numerous delegates attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, local police have developed an extensive digital surveillance strategy. This plan involves real-time monitoring of key routes and locations.
Officials have disclosed to Dawn that surveillance will primarily cover three designated routes—Route-I, Route-II, and Route-III—which will facilitate the movement of VVIPs and VIPs from the airport to their accommodations. Surveillance officers will closely monitor each route using numerous cameras to ensure constant vigilance.
Route I will use 188 cameras, Route II 149, and Route III 138. This setup includes monitoring entrances, exits, surrounding areas, and parking facilities. Additionally, 26 cameras will focus on two key meeting venues, and 115 will cover nine of fourteen accommodation sites. Surveillance at the conference venue’s parking lot and high-security zones will involve 32 cameras.
Safe City Islamabad currently operates 3,150 cameras, of which 2,910 are functional. Recent PTI protests damaged 441 cameras, resulting in significant financial losses. However, repairs have been completed on 345 cameras, with most reinstated along critical routes for the SCO event.
The Safe City control room will serve as the surveillance and command centre, managing seven dedicated frequencies for venue security, traffic management, and overall operational control. It will oversee live camera feeds and coordinate with various security units.
Additionally, emergency resources, including teargas shells and firearms, are stationed at designated police stations and key locations. Armoured vehicles are also positioned at strategic sites.
Furthermore, Rawalpindi’s Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has enforced a three-day suspension of goods vehicle traffic during the summit to streamline transportation and enhance regional security measures.
Read: Islamabad and Rawalpindi to Shut Down Key Venues from October 12-16
