The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom held a session today to review the security measures of Islamabad’s Safe City cameras. The discussion was prompted by recent reports that traffic cameras in Tehran had been hacked, reportedly by Israel. Lawmakers expressed concerns that similar vulnerabilities could exist in Pakistan’s systems.
As TechJuice previously reported, Islamabad’s Safe City surveillance network has been using Israeli-origin technologies, with the camera system installed in 2021. The network ran BriefCam software, developed in Israel and previously used in occupied East Jerusalem, from June 2021 to October 2022, before being replaced by Extreme C with real-time facial recognition. The system now links with NADRA’s biometric database, showing that both platforms rely on hardware and software with Israeli ties, raising concerns about monitoring Pakistani citizens without public disclosure or parliamentary approval.
BriefCam, founded in 2007 at Israel’s Hebrew University and acquired by Canon Inc. in 2018, provides advanced video analytics, including facial recognition and license-plate search. In Islamabad, the software was used to identify suspects, read vehicle plates, and issue e-challans for traffic violations. The company officially changed its name to Milestonesys.com on January 14, 2026.
The committee was briefed by DIG Muhammad Haroon Joya, who stated that the Safe City data services are fully secure and all associated apps are protected against cyber threats. However, TechJuice’s reporting clarifies that the software in question, BriefCam, is Israeli, not Japanese, highlighting concerns over the use of foreign surveillance technology in Pakistan.
Senator Afnan Ullah called the recent hacking incident in Tehran particularly alarming. He emphasized that hacking can occur through thousands of different methods and warned that foreign influence, including Israeli involvement, is often present behind major software systems in the United States.
DIG Muhammad Haroon Joya also noted that the Safe City Project undergoes regular audits to ensure security. He said the project is fully protected through firewalls and that protocols for VIP movements are strictly followed. Security agencies continuously monitor these movements to maintain safety and surveillance integrity.
All equipment for the Safe City Project is procured through the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), DIG Haroon added, ensuring transparency and quality control in the system’s infrastructure.
The committee chairperson suggested that future meetings be held in the Safe City control room for a more detailed review. He also recommended inviting the Intelligence Bureau to participate in the discussions to further strengthen oversight and security measures.
