Punjab jails to get AI-powered security system

Chinese experts propose advanced monitoring technology under Rs5b Safe Jail Project

LAHORE:

Chinese experts have proposed the deployment of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based content management system and smart video-conferencing facilities as part of the Punjab government's Safe Jail Project aimed at strengthening security across prisons in the province.

A delegation of Chinese experts, including Judy Kim and Erik Zhang, visited the Punjab Home Department on Friday and presented proposals for the project's Central Command and Control Centre.

The meeting, chaired by Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana, was attended by DIG Prisons Naveed Ashraf, Project Director Imtiaz Abbas, NRTC project managers and other officials. During the meeting, officials reviewed proposals for installing an AI-based content management system and smart video-conferencing facilities at the central command and control centre.

The installation of panic buttons and public address systems in prisoners' cells, barracks and other sensitive areas was also discussed.

Under the Safe Jail Project, more than 12,000 modern surveillance cameras and other security equipment are being installed in prisons across Punjab. During the first phase, the government aims to complete surveillance infrastructure at all 10 central prisons, District Jail Lahore and 10 command and control centres.

The surveillance system will cover prison entry and exit points, offices, barracks, security walls, jammer areas, kitchens, hospitals and libraries. Officials said the system would identify prohibited or irregular activities and generate alerts to enable timely action.

The Punjab government has allocated Rs5 billion for the project, which is scheduled for completion across the province by March 2027.

Control rooms are also being established at all prisons, the offices of regional DIGs Prisons, the Inspector General of Prisons and the Punjab Home Department to facilitate centralised monitoring.

Borana said prison reforms were among the Punjab government's top priorities.

He added that, on the directions of Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, progress on the Safe Jail Project was being reviewed on a daily basis.