ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee has raised serious national security concerns regarding Islamabad’s flagship Safe City surveillance project, with lawmakers questioning potential links to Israeli technology and vulnerabilities that could compromise VVIP movements.
Cybersecurity in the Spotlight After Tehran Hack
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology convened on Wednesday, with discussions intensifying following recent reports that traffic cameras in Tehran had been hacked. Chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the committee directed its scrutiny toward the security protocols protecting the Pakistani capital’s extensive camera network and data servers.
Project officials assured the panel that the system is fortified with multiple cybersecurity measures, including firewalls and dedicated security protocols for high-profile movements. They emphasized that the system undergoes regular technical audits.
“Israeli Origins” a Core Concern for Lawmakers
A significant point of contention was the origin of the software deployed in the surveillance system. Senators from the PML-N and JUI-P parties expressed apprehension about possible connections to Israeli firms.
- PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah argued that many global software systems have Israeli origins, posing a serious security risk, especially for VVIP protocols. He advocated for physical hardware-based systems as a more secure alternative for sensitive movements.
- JUI-P Senator Talha Mahmood cited a previous inquiry from his tenure as interior committee chairman, alleging that a company involved in the project, while having an office in Turkey, had links tracing back to Israel.
Officials Defend System, Cite Japanese Ownership
In response, the Director General of the Safe City project and cybersecurity officials sought to allay fears. They disclosed that the BriefCam software, deployed in 2021, is currently owned by a Japanese company. The Director General of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) noted that most technology in Pakistan is imported and is subject to continuous cyber risk monitoring, adding that 15 software companies have been blacklisted on security grounds.
The committee has demanded a complete list of all software used in the system and has summoned the project’s technical team for a detailed briefing.
Broader Data Security and Tech Plans Discussed
The meeting also covered wider digital security issues. Senator Afnan Ullah claimed that National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) data was being sold on the dark web, an allegation Nadra officials denied, stating their database was compromised only once in the past and remains secure.
Officials also reported data leaks involving approximately 120,000 individuals’ tax information in 2024 and a more recent breach of 79 taxpayers’ data, with investigations underway.
In other developments, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority chairman informed the committee that the next stage of spectrum bidding would proceed soon, with major telecom operators prepared to begin 5G testing after importing necessary equipment.
Motorcycle E-Tag Plan Faces Scrutiny
The committee criticized a district administration plan to install electronic M Tags on motorcycles in Islamabad. Senators Kamran Murtaza and Talha Mahmood questioned its effectiveness, pointing out risks such as terrorists using pre-tagged bikes or exploiting stolen tags to bypass security. The Islamabad deputy commissioner defended the plan as a necessary regulatory step used in many countries, while acknowledging potential loopholes.
