Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) project on June 20, aiming to bolster municipal security across the province. The project, which includes facial and number plate recognition at 40 toll plazas, with 18 in Karachi, is designed to enhance the monitoring and security of major entry and exit points.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Chief Police Office (CPO), was attended by provincial ministers Saeed Ghani and Zulfiqar Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, provincial secretaries, senior officers of Pakistan Rangers and NRTC, and members of civil society. CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the S4 Project will facilitate the arrest of over 80,000 absconding criminals and reduce vehicular crime through advanced surveillance capabilities.
The S4 system integrates seamlessly with the existing Command & Control Centre at CPO Karachi, providing the police with tools to identify suspects, locate stolen vehicles, and conduct thorough surveillance and investigations. This integration is expected to significantly improve public safety, traffic management, and overall efficiency in crime prevention.
Key features of the S4 project include:
- Advanced Surveillance: Installation of 9MP ANPR cameras and 8MP FR cameras at all listed toll plazas, ensuring effective facial and number plate recognition.
- Power Solutions: Complete solar power solutions with eight to ten hours of battery backup and genset power installations at each toll plaza.
- Command & Control Center Renovation: Establishment of a state-of-the-art Command & Control Room at CPO for central monitoring.
- AI and Analytical Tools: Deployment of the latest AI and analytical tools for actionable intelligence, including CAD for quick response.
- Uninterrupted Connectivity: Ensuring smooth communication between toll plazas and the Command & Control Center, with real-time data transmission.
The Chief Minister also announced a comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme for 127,482 police employees and jawans, with an outlay of Rs. 4.9 billion. The Behbood-e-Jawan Health Insurance plan provides each family with a basic hospitalization limit of Rs. 1 million, a room limit of Rs. 10,000, and a major medical extension pool of Rs. 1 billion for additional coverage.
The insurance plan covers pre-hospitalization charges, post-hospitalization charges, normal and C-section delivery charges, and includes spouses, children, and parents as dependents. Special investigations are covered across Pakistan, with each police employee receiving a health insurance card.
The Inspector General of Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, highlighted that only 5 percent of administrative charges will be applied to the utilized amount, with any unutilized funds reimbursed after tax deduction. The initiative aims to ensure the well-being of police personnel and their families.
Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon also expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his support and funding of the S4 system, hoping it will transform the policing culture in Sindh.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reiterated his government’s commitment to creating a crime-free society and acknowledged the challenges faced during the caretaker government. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Sindh police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies in improving law and order in the province.
