Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi decided to transform the Islamabad Safe City system into a Capital Smart City during a meeting on April 6, 2026 [1].
This shift represents a move from a purely security-focused surveillance network to a broader urban management framework. By integrating smart technology into city infrastructure, the government aims to modernize how the capital operates beyond simple law enforcement.
The decision took place at the Safe City Headquarters in Islamabad [1]. During the session, Naqvi chaired discussions on the technical and administrative requirements necessary to upgrade the existing surveillance system into a comprehensive smart city initiative [1].
The current Safe City system primarily focuses on monitoring and crime prevention through camera networks. The transition to a Capital Smart City is intended to expand these capabilities, potentially integrating traffic management, public services, and digital governance into a single ecosystem [1].
Officials focused on the strategic necessity of this upgrade to keep the capital aligned with international urban standards. The transition will involve evolving the existing infrastructure to support more complex data processing and real-time city management [1].
Naqvi said the transformation is a key step in enhancing the efficiency of the capital's administration [1]. The project will build upon the foundations of the existing surveillance network to create a more integrated urban environment [1].
“transform the Islamabad Safe City system into a Capital Smart City”
The conversion of a 'Safe City' into a 'Smart City' signals a pivot in governance from reactive policing to proactive urban management. While Safe City projects are typically designed for surveillance and security, Smart City initiatives generally encompass a wider array of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, including energy efficiency and automated traffic control, suggesting a broader ambition for Islamabad's digital infrastructure.
