A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab Prisons Department and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) at the Home Department Punjab under the “Safe Prisons Project”, aimed at strengthening security and surveillance across all prisons in the province.
Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir and NRTC General Manager Syed Amir Javed signed the agreement. Under the project, modern security infrastructure will be installed across Punjab’s prisons at an estimated cost of Rs 5 billion.
According to the Home Department spokesperson, the initiative includes the installation of 12,071 surveillance cameras, 615 public address systems and panic buttons, 328 body-worn cameras, 615 walkie-talkie systems, and 41 X-ray body scanners.
Additionally, 41 under-vehicle surveillance systems, facial recognition systems, and visitor management systems will be implemented to monitor inmates, staff, and visitors. The cameras will be capable of facial and vehicle recognition, aiding in security management and attendance tracking.
A spokesperson said that the project also comprises 133 software solutions and 24 video conferencing systems, designed to improve overall prison management and communication.
As part of the phased implementation plan, the first phase covering 11 central jails and main administrative offices will be completed by December 2025, while full implementation across all Punjab prisons is scheduled for June 2026.
Control rooms will be established in all prisons, regional DIG offices, the IG Prisons office, and the Home Department for continuous monitoring. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will provide technical assistance during the installation process.
The spokesperson further added that the system will generate automatic alerts in the event of any unauthorized or suspicious activity within prison premises. All prison zones including entry and exit points, barracks, kitchens, hospitals, libraries, and jammers areas will be brought under digital surveillance.
As per the agreement, NRTC will also be responsible for submitting monthly and annual performance reports and will manage operations and maintenance for five years following completion of the project.