Major Security Upgrade Planned for Prisons Across Punjab
The Punjab government has launched a Rs. 5 billion Safe Jail project to strengthen security and surveillance across prisons in the province.
The project will use artificial intelligence, advanced cameras and modern security equipment to monitor prison facilities.
In its initial phase, the system will cover 10 central jails, District Jail Lahore and 10 command and control centres.
More than 12,000 surveillance cameras will be installed under the project.
These cameras will offer facial recognition, vehicle recognition, night vision and anti-shake technology.
Artificial intelligence will also help authorities detect suspicious activity and possible violations of prison rules.
The surveillance network will monitor prisoners, prison employees and visitors.
It will cover entry and exit points, administrative offices, barracks and security walls.
Other monitored locations will include jammer areas, kitchens, hospitals and prison libraries.
Officials said the system will automatically generate alerts when it detects activities that may violate prison regulations.
Panic Buttons, Body Cameras and X-Ray Scanners Included
The Safe Jail project includes a wide range of additional security equipment.
Authorities plan to install 615 panic buttons across different prison facilities.
The project will also provide 1,525 public address systems and 369 body cameras.
Another 615 walkie-talkie systems will improve communication between prison security personnel.
A total of 41 X-ray body scanners will also be installed.
The government will introduce 82 under-vehicle surveillance systems to improve security checks at prison entrances.
Another 787 facial recognition access devices will control movement into sensitive areas.
The project also includes 133 software systems and 51 video conferencing facilities.
These technologies are expected to strengthen security management and reduce dependence on manual monitoring.
Control rooms will be established at individual prisons and regional deputy inspector general offices.
Additional command facilities will operate at the Inspector General of Prisons office and the Punjab Home Department.
Lahore Facility to Become Operational as Completion Target Set for March 2027
Progress on the project was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi.
Officials informed the meeting that around 80 percent of the required equipment had already been procured and inspected.
Qazi directed the relevant departments to accelerate implementation and review progress on a daily basis.
Central Jail Lahore and its command and control centre are expected to become operational during August 2026.
The Punjab government aims to complete the wider Safe Jail project across the province by March 2027.
The National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation will implement the project.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will provide consultancy and technical support.
The contract also includes five years of operations and maintenance after the project is completed.
Authorities expect the new security network to improve monitoring, strengthen prison management and provide faster responses to security incidents.
The project represents a major shift toward technology-based prison security in Punjab, with artificial intelligence playing a central role.
