The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has officially launched the Safe City Project in some of the province’s most security-sensitive areas, which is meant to combat terrorism. Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat are the main areas.
These southern districts have been seen as the most vulnerable to militancy and organized crime, are finally seeing a tech-driven transformation aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring peace.
A Formal Start to a Strategic Initiative
The project officially commenced with a signing ceremony held at the Central Police Office, where a contract was inked between the KP Police and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
DIG IT and Project Director Rai Ejaz Ahmad represented the police force and signed the agreement, while GM Commercial Syed Amir Javed signed on behalf of NRTC.
The event was attended by top brass, including Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Additional IGP Headquarters Awal Khan, Additional IGP Operations Muhammad Ali Babakhel, and several other senior officers—underlining just how crucial this project is for the province’s security strategy.
Bringing Surveillance Where It’s Needed Most
Indeed, the concept of Safe Cities is not new, but the thing which has played a role in making this rollout unique is where it’s being implemented. D.I. Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat have for years been flashpoints of terrorist activity, with frequent attacks on civilians and law enforcement alike.
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These areas were not equipped with the technological surveillance systems which was needed for timely crime detection and rapid emergency response.
Now, that is changing.
Project Scope: Camera Coverage by District
• Dera Ismail Khan: Over 400 high-definition cameras will be installed at 86 critical locations, including markets, government buildings, entry and exit points, and key intersections.
• Bannu: More than 300 surveillance cameras will be placed at 69 strategic sites.
• Lakki Marwat: Over 250 cameras are planned in all 41 key locations.
Each camera will be connected to a central command center, permitting real-time monitoring and coordination.
Technology for Safety, Trust, and Accountability
The usage of the state-of-the-art surveillance infrastructure is going to help police track suspicious activity, improve traffic management, and respond fastly to emergencies. It is anticipated that it will minimize criminal incidents, leading to a boost in public confidence in law enforcement.
Moreover, the cameras will be acting as a deterrent to criminal and terrorist activity, simply by being there. When the masses know they’re being watched, the likelihood of public crimes drops dramatically.
Follow-Up to the Peshawar Safe City Project
The Peshawar Safe City Project has been fast-tracked by the government of KP, setting an example for modern policing. Following its success, comprehensive surveys and planning had been conducted for these three southern districts. With the PC-1 document ratified and project surveys complete, the new initiative has now entered full execution mode.
What It Means for the People
For those masses who are living in these regions, this project is meant for them more than just a network of cameras—it’s a glimpse of normalcy, a return to everyday life without any violence. Traders, students, women, and daily wage workers—everyone stands to get the maximum advantages from safer streets and public spaces.
As Project Director Rai Ejaz Ahmad stated during the ceremony: “This project is all about securing lives and restoring confidence in the writ of the state.”