Islamabad to get digital tagging, citywide resident mapping under new security plan

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday launched the “Safe Secure Islamabad” initiative to enhance security measures across the federal capital following a deadly suicide blast outside the district and sessions court in G-11 that killed 12 people and injured 36.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced the initiative at a press conference outside Parliament House, alongside Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon and Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.

As part of the initiative, the government will introduce a “Secure Neighbourhood” survey — a first-of-its-kind digital mapping exercise to record details of every residence, shop, and office in Islamabad. The data will include the number of occupants, their age, nationality, and property ownership status.

Chaudhry said the system would not only improve delivery of municipal services but also provide critical data for maintaining public safety. “In the next stage, it will be mandatory for all vehicles in Islamabad to have electronic tags. Every vehicle will be traceable,” he said.

The minister added that Islamabad carried special responsibility as the country’s capital. “The administration must ensure the safety of both citizens and foreign dignitaries. The city must be as secure as it is beautiful,” he said, adding that the “Secure Neighbourhood” project would be completed within three months.

He said schools, businesses, traders, and public institutions would be involved in the rollout. Chaudhry assured citizens that their data would “remain safe and secure with government agencies and the Islamabad administration.”

Providing further details, DC Memon said a new app, “ICT Household Survey,” had been launched for residents to voluntarily enter details of their homes, residents, and staff. From Monday, survey teams, accompanied by police, would begin door-to-door verification.

“The data will help identify unregistered properties and residents,” Memon said. “If necessary, information will be retrieved through official means.” He said the tagging mandate would also apply to vehicles entering the city, with further details to be shared in coming days.

Inspector General Rizvi said the survey would significantly improve intelligence gathering and threat response, describing it as “a crucial step toward a safer, more resilient Islamabad.”