ISLAMABAD – Authorities in capital Islamabad are taking historic move to transform capital into one of the safest cities in the country, as government officials unveiled a sweeping new initiative named ‘Safe and Secure Islamabad.’
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry revealed details at a presser outside Parliament House, with DC Irfan Nawaz Memon and IG Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi. For the first time, the federal capital will undergo a comprehensive ‘Secure Neighborhood’ survey, which aims to collect detailed information on every home, shop, and office in Islamabad.
The survey will include data on number of residents, their ages, nationalities, ownership or rental status, and other critical information. This massive dataset will not only enhance civic services but also arm law enforcement agencies with a powerful, high-tech security framework.
In a bold step to monitor vehicular movement across the metropolis, the government announced that all vehicles in Islamabad will now be required to carry electronic tags (E-Tags or M-Tags). This system will track every vehicle’s movement, ensuring no vehicle can operate without proper environmental approval and a valid E-Tag.
Islamabad, being the federal capital, carries responsibilities far beyond other cities. Here, we must serve citizens while also safeguarding foreign diplomats, delegations, and VIPs. The ‘Secure Neighborhood’ project is set to be completed within three months. To ensure accuracy and transparency, schools, colleges, business communities, traders’ associations, and various organizations will participate in data collection. Chaudhry reassured citizens that all information will remain strictly secure with government authorities and will not be misused.
DC Irfan Nawaz Memon revealed that residents can directly submit their information using the new mobile app “ICT Household Survey.” This user-friendly app allows easy entry of residence, resident, employee, and ownership details. Beginning Monday, government teams will go door-to-door to collect data, and in cases where residents or businesses fail to provide information, authorities will use alternative methods to ensure completeness.
Regarding vehicle monitoring, Memon stated that a detailed E-Tag plan will be announced in the coming days, covering both vehicles already in the city and those entering it. “This is the only comprehensive method to make Islamabad truly safe,” he said.
