PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police unveiled groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) security control system in Peshawar, first of its kind in country.

Developed at Central Police Office, system has commenced data and face detection analysis of approximately 57,000 individuals entering city’s red zone on daily basis.

AI security system will gather and process data on every person, vehicle and motorcycle entering red zone, which includes prominent locations such as Central Jail, Police Line, Corps Commander’s House, Central Police Office, Civil Secretariat, Governor’s House and Chief Minister’s House.

Notably, for first time, system has incorporated data on female militants, terrorists and criminals in its database. In event of any such suspicious individual entering red zone, an alarm will trigger, immediately alerting nearest police check post. Furthermore, AI intelligence system will also keep record of birds entering red zone, further enhancing security measures. Implementation of this cutting-edge technology aims to strengthen security and surveillance within red zone, ensuring safety of high-profile locations.

Inspector General Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police Akhtar Hayat Khan highlighted significance of this technological advancement in improving security measures. He emphasised that this project, first of its kind in Pakistan was made possible through cooperation of various security forces.

Many countries around world have implemented similar technology-based systems to manage traffic and enhance security control by keeping comprehensive data on individuals entering cities. In initial phase, AI technology security system has been introduced in Peshawar and subsequent phases will extend its coverage to Balahisar Fort and other parts of Cantonment area.

Senior officer of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police and CCPO Peshawar Syed Ashfaq Anwar, who has participated in several international-level security conferences with police from US and UK highlighted effectiveness of AI-driven surveillance systems. With this level of surveillance, individuals cannot easily evade law. Police officers can quickly retrieve vehicle records, employee details, work information and even bank accounts from laptops installed in their patrol cars, he explained. He emphasised that deployment of AI-based security systems and development of Smart Cities are essential for reducing crime. Drawing parallel with London, where numerous cameras are installed throughout city, he explained that criminals have little chance of evading watchful eye of law enforcement. With help of technology, crimes can be swiftly addressed and arrests can be made within hours of an incident.

In Peshawar, approximately 350 CCTV cameras equipped with AI security systems have been installed around sensitive buildings.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 28 2023

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