The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology convened in Islamabad on Wednesday to deliberate on the security framework of the Safe City surveillance system installed in the federal capital. The session highlighted growing apprehensions among lawmakers regarding the system’s vulnerability, especially in light of recent cyberattacks on traffic monitoring infrastructure in Tehran. Concerns were raised about the potential risks such breaches could pose to the safety of VVIP movements within Islamabad.
During the meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan at the Parliament House, members extensively discussed the origins and security protocols of the surveillance technology. Several senators voiced suspicions about the software components used in the Safe City project, questioning whether they had any connections to Israeli technology firms. This line of inquiry stemmed from fears that such links might expose critical government operations to foreign interference or cyber espionage.
Senator Afnan Ullah from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emphasized that many globally utilized software platforms have roots tracing back to Israeli companies, which could potentially compromise national security. He argued that relying solely on software-based surveillance might not be sufficient for safeguarding high-profile government officials and suggested that incorporating hardware-centric security measures could provide an added layer of protection during sensitive movements.
Adding to the debate, Senator Talha Mahmood of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) recalled findings from his previous tenure as chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior. He revealed that investigations had uncovered that the company responsible for the Safe City project maintained an office in Turkey, but its affiliations reportedly extended back to Israel. These revelations intensified calls within the committee for a thorough review of the system’s supply chain and operational transparency.
In response, officials managing the Safe City initiative firmly rejected allegations of security lapses or foreign vulnerabilities. The project’s director general assured the committee that robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced firewalls and segregated security protocols for VVIP movements, had been implemented to safeguard the system. He highlighted that the data servers and mobile applications linked to the surveillance network were regularly audited to ensure integrity and resilience against cyber threats.
Further clarifying the technology in use, officials noted that the BriefCam software integrated into Islamabad’s Safe City infrastructure was introduced in 2021 and is currently owned by a Japanese corporation. This information was intended to alleviate concerns about Israeli involvement in the software’s development or deployment. Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) pointed out that Pakistan imports most of its technological solutions from foreign vendors and maintains continuous oversight to mitigate cyber risks. He also disclosed that authorities had blacklisted 15 software companies over security concerns to protect national interests.
The committee instructed project officials to compile and submit a comprehensive inventory of all software installed within the Safe City system. Additionally, the technical team was asked to provide a detailed briefing during the next session to address outstanding questions and reassure lawmakers about the system’s security posture.
The meeting also turned attention to the district administration’s initiative to implement electronic M Tags on motorcycles in Islamabad. Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed skepticism about the system’s effectiveness, raising the possibility that terrorists could exploit motorcycles already equipped with these electronic tags to bypass security measures. Senator Talha Mahmood echoed these concerns, warning that stolen M Tags might allow malicious actors to evade detection during security checks.
Responding to these apprehensions, Islamabad’s deputy commissioner explained that similar electronic identification systems are operational in various countries and that the government’s goal was to regulate motorcycle usage more effectively. While acknowledging potential loopholes, he maintained that such measures were necessary to enhance law enforcement capabilities and improve overall security monitoring within the city.
Data security within government institutions also came under scrutiny during the session. Senator Afnan Ullah alleged that personal information from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was being sold on the dark web, raising alarms about the protection of citizens’ sensitive data. NADRA officials countered these claims by stating that their database had only experienced a single breach in the past and continued to be secure. They suggested that data leaks were more likely to occur through other organizations where individuals voluntarily share their personal details.
Moreover, the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman, updated the committee on the upcoming bidding process for spectrum allocation. He confirmed that the country’s three leading telecom operators were preparing to commence 5G testing following the import of necessary equipment, signaling progress in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
Finally, the committee was briefed on recent data breaches involving tax records. Officials from the Federal Board of Revenue’s IT wing disclosed that approximately 120,000 individuals’ tax information had been leaked in 2024, with data of 79 taxpayers exposed recently. These incidents have been reported to national cybersecurity authorities, and investigations are currently underway to identify the sources and prevent future occurrences.
Overall, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology underscored the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols and transparency in government surveillance projects. The discussions reflected a growing awareness among lawmakers about the complexities of safeguarding national security in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing vigilance against both technological vulnerabilities and potential foreign influences.
