Senators raise concerns over possible Israeli links to Islamabad Safe City system

ISLAMABAD: Members of the Senate have voiced concerns regarding the security of the Islamabad Safe City surveillance system, questioning whether there may be Israeli connections to the software used in the project.

During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, senators from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-P) expressed apprehensions about the origins and security of the surveillance technology deployed in the federal capital. The senators specifically sought clarification on whether any software or components linked to Israel had been incorporated into the Safe City system.

Officials present at the meeting assured the committee that the Islamabad Safe City system is protected by robust cybersecurity measures. They stated that the system is equipped with safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure the integrity of its operations.

The Senate committee has requested a comprehensive list of all software and technologies currently in use within the Safe City project. This move aims to provide greater transparency and address the concerns raised by the senators regarding potential foreign involvement in the system's infrastructure.

The Islamabad Safe City project, which involves extensive surveillance and monitoring across the city, has been a subject of public interest and scrutiny since its inception. The recent concerns highlight ongoing debates about data security and the importance of ensuring that critical national infrastructure remains free from foreign influence.

The committee is expected to review the detailed list of software and conduct further discussions in upcoming sessions to ensure the continued security and reliability of the Safe City system.