Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the newly established Safe City Project at Nankana Sahib's Model Police Station Sadar today. During his visit, Chief Minister Naqvi toured the Safe City Center, where he personally reviewed the city's surveillance through modern camera systems. He also monitored traffic movement and surveillance on the screens at the Safe City Centre. The Chief Minister further inspected the Integrated Command and Control Room, Operation and Monitoring Room, and Data Room. Taking time to acknowledge the dedication of the Safe City staff, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi encouraged them to continue their hard work.
Chief Minister Naqvi praised both the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the police team for their collaborative efforts in establishing the Safe City Center in Nankana. During the briefing, it was revealed that the Punjab Safe Cities Authority installed over 136 cameras in Nankana Sahib, along with the implementation of six checkpoints at the entry and exit routes. This significant project, costing a total of Rs 35 crore, was completed in a span of just one and a half years, saving approximately 5 crore in costs. The Nankana Sahib Safe City Project was a joint endeavor involving local and international companies, which will also take on the responsibility of operation and maintenance for the next three years.
As part of the Nankana Sahib Safe City project, a total of 30 kilometers of optical fiber has been laid throughout the city. This project has been seamlessly integrated with the Lahore Safe City network. Notably, cameras have been strategically installed to enhance security at Sikh places of worship, Ashura routes, religious sites, and government buildings.
For consultancy services on the Nankana Sahib Project, Engineering Consultancy Services Punjab played a pivotal role. Chief Minister Punjab received a comprehensive briefing about the project from the Managing Director of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Muhammad Kamran Khan.
Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence that the implementation of the Safe City Project in Nankana Sahib will lead to a significant decrease in crime rates. He underscored the vital role this project plays in enhancing security in the region. Chief Minister Naqvi commended the tireless efforts of the entire Punjab Safe City Authority team, emphasizing their substantial cost savings.
Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also shared plans for the Safe City projects in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi, highlighting a streamlined budget of 17 billion rupees, a substantial reduction from the initial estimate of 100 billion rupees. Efforts are underway to expedite completion within 120 days, with the entire team dedicated to this endeavor. The Nankana Sahib Safe City Center's cameras have been connected wirelessly, ensuring efficient operation.
Referring to the unanimous decisions made in the Apex Committee meeting, Chief Minister Naqvi affirmed the unwavering commitment to eradicate terrorism and extremism in the name of Islam. He stressed the resolve to address these issues with the utmost severity.
In support of Sikh tourism, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi disclosed plans for a special tourism package tailored for Sikh pilgrims, encompassing accommodation, food, security, transport, and additional amenities. This package is set to be formally launched in the near future.
Acknowledging the economic potential of tourism, Chief Minister Naqvi emphasized the importance of promoting destinations like Nankana Sahib, Hasan Abdal, and Kartarpur for the Sikh community. Every effort will be made to provide Sikh pilgrims and the community at large with optimal facilities.
In addressing healthcare concerns, Chief Minister Naqvi assured an imminent increase in hospital budgets while emphasizing the prudent use of public funds. He acknowledged the challenges of expensive medicines and a high patient load, expressing a commitment to balance these factors.
Strict enforcement of smog prevention SOPs was also highlighted by Chief Minister Naqvi, who noted the use of satellite imagery by the Army's Institute of LIMS for crop monitoring. While air quality in Lahore this year shows slight improvement, Chief Minister Naqvi stated that school closures will not be necessary if smog levels remain under control.
Present at the occasion were Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Inspector General Police Dr. Usman Anwar, Additional IG Safe City, RPO Sheikhupura, Secretary Communication and Works, Deputy Commissioner Nankana, DPO, and other concerned officers.