PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police Introduce Groundbreaking AI Security Control System
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police have launched a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) security control system in Peshawar, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Pakistan. Developed at the Central Police Office, the system has begun implementing data and face detection analysis on approximately 57,000 individuals entering Peshawar’s red zone on a daily basis.
This cutting-edge AI security system will collect and process data on every person, vehicle, and motorcycle entering the red zone, encompassing key locations such as the Central Jail, Police Lines, Corps Commander’s House, Central Police Office, Civil Secretariat, Governor House, and Chief Minister House.
An intriguing aspect of the system is its incorporation of data on female militants, terrorists, and criminals, aiming to identify any suspicious individuals entering the red zone. In such cases, an alarm will be triggered, immediately alerting the nearest police check post.
The AI intelligence system will also monitor bird activity within the red zone, enhancing overall security measures. The implementation of this advanced technology seeks to fortify security and surveillance in the red zone, ensuring the safety of high-profile areas.
Inspector General (IG) Police Akhtar Hayat Khan of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa emphasized the significance of this technological advancement in improving security measures. He underlined that the successful realization of this project, the first of its kind in Pakistan, was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various security forces.
Many countries across the globe have implemented similar technology-driven systems to manage traffic and enhance security control by maintaining comprehensive data on individuals entering cities.
The initial phase of the AI technology security system has been introduced in Peshawar, with plans to expand its coverage to Balahisar Fort and other parts of the Cantonment area in subsequent phases.
IG Akhtar explained that the AI system will revolutionize the investigation process, departing from the traditional reliance on retrieving footage from CCTV cameras, which often leads to delays and obstacles. With the new AI system, crucial data can be accessed in real-time, enabling swift action and the apprehension of suspects.
The integration of this system into the red zone and sensitive buildings is expected to bring about a significant transformation in the security apparatus, he added.
Syed Ashfaq Anwar, a senior officer of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police and CCPO Peshawar, who has participated in several international-level security conferences with police from the US and UK, highlighted the effectiveness of AI-driven surveillance systems.
Drawing a parallel with the situation in America, where the presence of widespread CCTV camera coverage eliminates the need for security lights in public squares or markets, he emphasized that with extensive surveillance, individuals have limited opportunities to evade the 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.
Anwar stressed that the deployment of AI-based security systems and the development of Smart Cities are crucial for reducing crime. Citing London as an example, where numerous cameras are installed throughout the city, he explained that criminals have minimal chances of evading the watchful eye of law enforcement. With the aid of technology, crimes can be promptly addressed, and arrests can be made within hours of an incident.
Approximately 350 CCTV cameras equipped with AI security systems have been installed around sensitive buildings in Peshawar. The AI system can identify individuals wearing masks or helmets by cross-referencing their faces with the records of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Moreover, during security checks, individuals wearing helmets or masks will not be permitted to proceed.
Naveed Khan, the IT Director of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police, explained that the AI system incorporates sophisticated surveillance features. “Red lines” have been discreetly marked on the walls of police lines, prisons, and sensitive buildings, which are imperceptible to the human eye.
Khan stated, “If an individual crosses these lines, attempts to scale a wall or roof instead of using a designated entrance, or engages in any suspicious activity, an automatic alarm will activate, immediately notifying Quick Response Teams for swift action.”
