DIG Ahmed highlighted that the installed cameras are Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based and perform multiple functions simultaneously. These include facial recognition, license plate reading, and National Plate Recognition (NPR). For instance:
- If a suspect’s image is uploaded to the database, the system will immediately alert authorities when the individual comes within the cameras’ range.
- Similarly, stolen vehicles listed in the database will be flagged if detected by the system, enabling quick recovery.
Additional features include vehicle and motorcycle counting, detailed traffic flow statistics, and the ability to assess individuals’ emotional states, such as anger, happiness, or distress, based on facial expressions.
The project also incorporates PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras capable of 360-degree monitoring to track movements in surrounding areas. In this first phase, 25 cameras have been installed at nine key locations, comprehensively covering Rawalakot city.
The next phase of the Rawalakot Safe City Project will involve the installation of 150 additional cameras, further enhancing the district’s surveillance capabilities. DIG Ahmed described the initiative as a “game-changer,” promising a significant improvement in public safety and law enforcement.
DIG Ahmed also noted the successful operation of the Police Facilitation Center in Rawalakot, inaugurated on June 3, 2024. The center consolidates multiple public services under one roof, eliminating the need for citizens to visit police stations for routine matters. Services provided include:
- Character Certificates for residents, including those living abroad through embassies.
- General Police Verifications.
- Vehicle Verification Service (VVS).
- Driving Learner Permits.
- Legal guidance for victims of domestic violence.
- Online FIR copies.
- Assistance with lost documents.
Since its launch, the center has issued over 8,100 character certificates, 4,427 general police verifications, and 3,600 learner driving permits. The VVS has processed the online verification of 88 vehicles. Additionally, the center provides legal support to women facing domestic violence and ensures the timely delivery of FIR copies.
The Rawalakot Safe City Project and the Police Facilitation Center represent significant advancements in public safety and service delivery in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. These initiatives underscore the potential for technology-driven governance to address pressing urban challenges effectively.
DIG Sardar Zaheer Ahmed expressed optimism about the project’s future phases, which aim to create a safer and more efficient living environment for the residents of Rawalakot and surrounding areas.