ISLAMABAD: To ensure top-level security for the hundreds of delegates arriving for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, the city police have devised a detailed digital surveillance plan to monitor key routes and locations in real-time.
According to police officials, surveillance will focus on Route-I, Route-II, and Route-III, which have been designated for transporting ‘VVIPs’ and ‘VIPs’ from the airport to their accommodations. Each route is divided into several sections, monitored by cameras and designated surveillance officers for continuous 24/7 observation.
Route-I will be monitored by 188 cameras, Route-II by 149 cameras, and Route-III by 138 cameras. This includes coverage of entry and exit points, surrounding areas, and parking lots. Additionally, 26 cameras will monitor the two main venues where delegates are expected to meet, while 115 cameras will cover nine of the 14 accommodations. The parking area of the conference venue will be monitored by five cameras, and 27 cameras at security checkpoints will monitor the high-security zone.
Safe City Islamabad operates 3,150 cameras, with 2,910 currently functional. Officials revealed that 441 cameras were damaged during recent PTI protests, resulting in Rs154 million in losses. However, 345 of these cameras have since been repaired, many of which are positioned along the routes designated for the SCO summit attendees.
The Safe City control room will serve as the central hub for surveillance and command operations, overseeing seven dedicated frequencies for event management, including venue security, traffic control, and operational coordination. Live feeds from cameras along the routes and venues will be monitored, with direct wireless communication points set up at key locations to ensure real-time updates and rapid responses.
An advanced operational control room has also been established to handle communication and coordination tasks, with seven channels dedicated to event security, traffic management, and operations. Wireless communication points will be available at all key venues for real-time coordination.
Outer Security Measures
Police will establish 20 security checkpoints as part of the outer security cordon. The Anti-Riot Force will be deployed at key locations, including Chungi No. 26, Islamabad Chowk, G-11 Signal, Project Mor, Khyber Chowk, and Peshawar Mor, to maintain law and order.
Additionally, vehicles equipped with 1,000 teargas shells and 10 guns will be on standby at Aabpara, Khanna, Secretariat police stations, Islamabad Chowk, and Rescue 15. Armed Personnel Carriers will also be stationed at Aabpara, Khanna, Serena Hotel, and Islamabad Chowk.
Three checkpoints will be set up in the Margalla Hills at Damn-e-Koh, Monal, and Pir Sohawa, with Dolphin units patrolling the Daman-i-Koh Chowk and Monal areas.
Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) in Rawalpindi has imposed a three-day ban on goods vehicles, tractor trolleys, and tractors from October 14 to 16 in light of the SCO summit in Islamabad.
