Punjab government has started deploying an AI-driven monitoring system, Talk to Camera, across the province following the tragic death of a child in Lodhran caused by an open manhole. According to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the initiative, developed by Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), is designed to strengthen public safety and improve real-time surveillance capabilities across urban centers. The system represents a step forward in using artificial intelligence to enhance civic oversight and prevent avoidable accidents.
Talk to Camera allows authorities to query the province’s entire camera network using natural language, enabling officers to identify hazards quickly and efficiently. The system can automatically flag dangerous situations such as open manholes, overflowing dumpsters, and visible smoke, which can help emergency services respond faster and reduce risks to the public. Officials have highlighted the potential for the technology to assist in managing smart-city operations more effectively by streamlining monitoring and response procedures.
The technology has undergone pilot testing in Lahore and Sheikhupura, where authorities reported positive results in hazard detection and monitoring efficiency. Following these trials, the provincial government decided to expand the system across Punjab to enhance rapid response capabilities and strengthen urban safety measures. Educational institutions have also been directed by CM Maryam Nawaz to install cameras, further integrating AI tools into daily monitoring of public spaces.
The rollout of Talk to Camera forms part of a broader effort by Punjab government to integrate AI technologies into civic management and safety programs. By combining real-time surveillance with artificial intelligence, the system aims to reduce preventable accidents and provide authorities with better tools to maintain public safety. Officials emphasize that continuous monitoring and analysis of camera feeds can help city management teams identify hazards early and take timely action, enhancing both urban oversight and citizen protection.
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