Senators raise security concerns over Islamabad Safe City surveillance system

In Islamabad, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concerns about the security of the city’s Safe City surveillance system. The discussion was prompted by recent reports of traffic cameras being hacked in Tehran. Senators from PML-N and JUI-P questioned whether some software used in the Safe City system had links with Israeli technology firms, warning that such connections could put VVIP movements at risk. PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah suggested that hardware-based monitoring might be more secure than software-based systems. JUI-P Senator Talha Mahmood highlighted that a company involved in the project had offices in Turkey but had links tracing back to Israel. Officials of the Safe City project reassured the committee that multiple cybersecurity measures, including firewalls and separate protocols for VVIP movements, were in place. The system uses BriefCam software, originally deployed in 2021 and now owned by a Japanese company. Other issues discussed included the electronic M Tag system for motorcycles, potential data leaks from government institutions like NADRA and FBR, and upcoming 5G tests by telecom operators. The committee directed officials to provide a complete list of installed software and brief members in detail at the next meeting. Overall, the discussions emphasised the importance of securing surveillance systems and data in Pakistan against potential cyber threats.