Domestic security: Innovative solutions for cyber, real world threats on display

Tenth International Safety and Security Exhibition and Conference begins.

ISLAMABAD:

Aspiring to offer technology and services to modernise the security infrastructure of Pakistani cities, the 10th International Safety and Security Expo and conference held here on Tuesday kicked off with an exhibition of the latest security solutions offered by local and foreign companies.

The event featured exhibitors from 200 companies in 28 different countries displaying the latest solutions for national security, workplace safety, firefighting, mobility, rescue and emergency.

Addressing different parameters of safety and non-defense security solutions, Aamer Khanzada, managing director at Pegasus Consultancy, explained that latest technology induced in systems could counter several security related challenges confronted by law enforcement agencies. While explaining the recent security challenges in the region, Khanzada said that the increase in demand for safety equipment and related technologies has resulted in an import tab of US$1.85 billion on security products during the last year.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, he said that inducing such systems in structures could be practical for monitoring criminal activities and for data collection. He said while Pakistan has always relied on manpower, modern challenges are better countered with technology, which also reduces risks to life and limb.

Analysing the trends of recent times, Khanzada, who has been a part of the expo for the last ten years, said that due to an increase in demand for security solutions, more companies have started taking part in the conference, creating a healthy, competitive environment.

Mapped across two floors of the Pak-China Friendship Centre, stalls with vibrant displays were marketing their products and services.

At one stall, a soldier stood with a small camera attached to his helmet. Yawar Salman, founder of IT solutions company Votel, explained that more monitoring could assist those on the battlefield. While explaining surveillance techniques for better city administration, he explained how drones could be used to capture aerial views, and increase safety while also serving counterterrorism purposes.

Eric Kuan of Streamax Tech, a vehicle security solution from China, had an interesting tech-suggestion to offer. Kuan told The Express Tribune that the company’s initiative to install CCTV mobile camera and related software in public transport could help prevent the vehicles from being targeted. “This system can help detect and capture videos to address emergencies such as suicide attacks” said Kuan. “It’s all a matter of time and effectiveness. Such interventions are very popular all over the world and are a necessity in Pakistan” He said.

Hassan Raza from Digital Links, a Lahore-based company, said that due to lack of exposure, people were not aware of the benefits of technology and security.  “People still want to keep a security guard,” he said.  While Yahya Hassan from Safe and Sound Engineering, which provides fire solutions, said that due to negligence and cost-cutting, many companies in Pakistan were not installing fire prevention precautions in their offices.

Other companies displaying safety equipment such as the correct uniform and precautions to be used by workers were also displayed.  Glass processing, rescue victim location devices, paramedic vans and mobile medical facilitation equipment were also exhibited. Board of Investment Chairman Dr Miftah Ismail said that the government was encouraging foreign investors to put money in the security sector.

Ammar Jafferi, president and chief executive officer of Pakistan Information Security Association (PISA), said the organisation is forming a computer emergency response team which will be a real time solution for industrial cyber-security threats faced by the businesses.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2014.