By The Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) has expanded its next-generation AI-powered “Talk to Camera” system across major cities in Punjab after successful trials in Lahore and Sheikhupura. The initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader Safe Punjab Vision, which aims to make cities safer through smart surveillance and real-time hazard detection.
Developed to address growing concerns over road safety hazards, the AI system is designed to identify risks such as open manholes, overflowing garbage dumps, smoke emissions, and damaged infrastructure. By enabling authorities to interact with CCTV cameras using natural language, the technology significantly improves the speed and accuracy of monitoring operations.
Real-Time Hazard Detection to Prevent Tragic Incidents
The system’s importance intensified after tragic incidents in Karachi and Lodhran, where children lost their lives due to unattended open manholes. These cases highlighted the urgent need for proactive technology-driven solutions that detect threats before they cause harm.
The AI “Talk to Camera” system continuously scans thousands of CCTV feeds, identifying hazards within seconds. As soon as a threat is detected, the system alerts authorities, enabling field teams to respond rapidly. This real-time capability can prevent fatal accidents and protect vulnerable groups, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and daily commuters.
Improved Monitoring, Faster Responses, Safer Cities
According to PSCA, the pilot phase revealed a significant improvement in response time, surveillance accuracy, and urban risk management. The AI’s ability to analyze multiple camera streams simultaneously makes it far more efficient than traditional monitoring methods.
By expanding the system province-wide, Punjab aims to modernize city management with:
- AI-supported hazard detection
- Faster emergency responses
- Improved road and pedestrian safety
- Proactive infrastructure monitoring
This helps ensure that potential dangers are addressed before they escalate, making cities safer and smarter.
A Major Leap Toward Smart City Development in Punjab
PSCA officials describe “Talk to Camera” as a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s smart surveillance ecosystem. The system strengthens the provincial government’s commitment to data-driven governance, safer roads, and smarter urban planning.
With the rollout now extending to more cities, Punjab is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI-based public safety, setting a strong example for other provinces aiming to modernize their surveillance networks.
