Punjab launches Rs5b Safe Jail project

The Punjab government is implementing a Rs5 billion Safe Jail project to strengthen security across the province's prisons through modern surveillance, artificial intelligence and advanced security technology, officials said on Wednesday.

The first phase of the project covers all 10 central jails, District Jail Lahore and 10 command and control centres.

More than 12,000 modern surveillance cameras will be installed at prisons across Punjab.

The security system will include 615 panic buttons, 1,525 public address systems, 369 body cameras, 615 walkie-talkie systems and 41 X-ray body scanners.

In addition, 82 under-vehicle surveillance systems and 787 facial-recognition access devices will be installed.

The progress was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi.

Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) Managing Director Brigadier Azmat Shabbir, senior prison officials, project directors and representatives of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) attended the meeting. Punjab Safe Cities Authority Managing Director Ahsan Younas participated through video link.

Officials told the meeting that 80 per cent of the equipment required for the project had been procured and inspected.

The project also includes 133 software systems and 51 video-conferencing systems.

The cameras will feature facial and vehicle recognition, night vision, anti-shake technology and artificial intelligence-based monitoring.

A visitor management system will also be introduced, while surveillance cameras will monitor the attendance and movement of prisoners and prison staff.

Officials said violations of prison regulations would trigger automatic alerts. Entry and exit points, offices, barracks, security walls, jammer areas, kitchens, hospitals and libraries will also be brought under surveillance.

Dr Qazi directed officials to accelerate work and ensure daily monitoring of the project. "Prison reforms are among the Punjab government's top priorities," he said, directing all stakeholders to work as one team to ensure timely completion.

Central Jail Lahore and its command and control centre are scheduled for completion this month, while the province-wide project is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Control rooms will also be established at all prisons, regional deputy inspector general offices, the Inspector General of Prisons office and the Home Department to facilitate centralised monitoring.

The project contract includes five years of operations and maintenance after completion.

NRTC has been engaged to implement the project, while the Punjab Safe Cities Authority is serving as its consultant.