Safe City Cameras Stolen in Rawalpindi, Security Concerns Rise

Rawalpindi – Thursday, August 21, 2025: A shocking theft has raised questions about the Punjab Safe City Project. Two surveillance cameras and a power backup unit were stolen from Pirwadhai, near Sheikh Rashid Bridge. The missing equipment included cameras labeled GS2 and GS3, memory cards, and a UPS worth Rs90,000. The total loss is around Rs260,000.

The complaint was filed by project worker Talha Afzal. Police at Pirwadhai Station have registered a case and started an investigation. Authorities are now trying to find out how such a theft took place in a busy area during the day.

The Safe City Project has placed more than 1,700 cameras across Rawalpindi. These cameras are used to monitor traffic signals, public places, markets, and government buildings. The stolen devices were part of this modern network.

This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Last year, similar thefts were reported in Islamabad, where cameras and cabinets were stolen. Experts say these repeated cases show weak physical security of the system.

The government promoted Safe City cameras as the “eyes of the city.” They were meant to reduce crime and improve public safety. But the theft has raised concerns about how well the system is being protected.

Many residents now fear that if even surveillance cameras are not safe, how can they trust the system to keep citizens safe? Security experts are calling for stronger protection, quick response alarms, and regular monitoring of installed equipment.

The Punjab Safe City Authority has not yet shared a full statement, but sources say strict measures will be taken to avoid more thefts in the future.