The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) is a government agency in Pakistan. It was established in 2015 to enhance the security and safety of citizens in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala by utilising state-of-the-art technology and advanced analytical techniques.
The PSCA operates a command-and-control centre that serves as the hub for all its operations. The centre is equipped with advanced technology and is staffed by a team of trained professionals who monitor live video feeds from thousands of surveillance cameras throughout the cities. These cameras are strategically placed in high-traffic areas, such as markets, shopping centres, and transportation hubs, to ensure maximum coverage.
The PSCA utilises advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and respond to crime and other security incidents in real time. It allows the PSCA to quickly identify and respond to potential security threats, such as suspicious behaviour or criminal activity. It also uses predictive analytics to identify patterns in criminal activity and anticipate potential security issues before they occur.
Graana.com gives a complete overview of Punjab Safe Cities Authority below.
Objectives and Goals of Punjab Safe Cities Authority
- The program aims to integrate innovative operations, efficient processes and advanced technology to enhance: Real-time information and intelligence through modern infrastructure
- Emergency response systems for the public
- Evidence-based decision-making in critical situations for seamless service delivery by Punjab Police departments
- Cross-agency coordination, communication and effectiveness through a consolidated IC3 operating model for public safety and emergency services
Primary Function of PSCA
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has implemented various measures to enhance the traffic system in Lahore. It includes upgrading road infrastructure, installing surveillance cameras at strategic locations, and implementing automated traffic signals.
In addition to traffic management, the PSCA also offers a range of services such as:
- 1122 emergency response system
- An e-challan system for enforcing traffic laws
- Criminal identification through virtual surveillance
Intelligent Traffic Management System
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has launched a modern policing system aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and convenience for residents. This system utilises a network of surveillance cameras that provide real-time information on traffic conditions, roadblocks, and criminal incidents. The cameras also aid in enforcing traffic laws by identifying violators and issuing e-challans.
Additionally, PSCA has installed automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras in high-traffic areas to address the issue of increasing traffic violations. The organisation also plans to install an additional 15,000 cameras in 2,000 locations throughout the cities.
This system not only helps in identifying areas with severe traffic congestion but also informs residents of alternate routes through a reliable messaging system, ultimately improving overall safety and security for the citizens.
Emergency Response System at Punjab Safe Cities Authority
The PSCA designed an emergency response system that lets residents report crimes or emergencies and ensures prompt and effective assistance from the relevant police force.
- The emergency response system allows residents to report crimes or emergencies.
- Dolphin, a police emergency motorbike squad, reaches incident sites quickly to provide aid.
- Police station vehicles handle all types of crimes or natural disasters.
- A dedicated traffic police force manages traffic and ensures road safety.
- Residents can contact the ambulance service 1122 for emergency medical help.
- A specially trained task force handles fire-related incidents throughout Punjab.
- The emergency response system guarantees prompt and effective assistance for residents in emergency or crime situations.
E-Challan System
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority revolutionises traffic law enforcement with its e-challan system. ANPR cameras capture and identify vehicles that violate traffic rules, such as running red lights, speeding, lane changing without signalling, exceeding speed limits, driving on the wrong side of the road, or going the wrong way on a one-way road. When a violation occurs, the cameras take four pictures and store them in a “violation folder.”
The cameras read number plates to distinguish between registered and unregistered vehicles. The system then verifies the number plate and violation against records of the Excise and Taxation Department before issuing and sending the e-challan to the violator’s address via courier.
Citizens have ten days to pay the fine or face blacklisting and vehicle seizure. If misplaced, citizens can obtain other e-challan through the PSCA website by providing vehicle registration number and CNIC.
The website also allows citizens to check e-challan status and obtain a printable version for payment at the National Bank of Pakistan or Bank of Punjab. The e-challan system promotes road safety and discipline, reduces human error, and offers a convenient payment option through the PSCA website.
Criminal Identification
Through its modern monitoring technologies, the PSCA plays a critical role in detecting and prosecuting offenders. The authority’s cameras, which have been deployed at numerous high-traffic places and crucial sites around Punjab’s cities, can capture criminal conduct and provide valuable evidence for investigations. As a result, the use of these cameras has contributed to a reduction in crime in the area.
Virtual Surveillance at Punjab Safe Cities Authority
The deployment of a comprehensive virtual surveillance system is a vital component of the Punjab Safe Cities Project. To detect criminal suspects and traffic violators, this system employs a range of cameras, including IP cameras, vehicle cameras, tiny cameras, and dynamic event cameras.
The advanced technology of this virtual surveillance system allows for efficient identification of suspects, tracking of data, and collection of evidence, greatly aiding in crime prevention and law enforcement efforts.
For more information on the Punjab Safe City Project, , visit Graana Blog.
