In Lahore, the Punjab government has reallocated Rs950 million initially earmarked for deputy commissioners to install CCTV cameras at 6,031 polling stations. Instead, the funds have been transferred to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the Punjab Information Technology Board.
Documents obtained by “Jang” reveal that this decision stems from a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee, led by the Punjab chief secretary.
During the meeting, the MD of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board briefed the committee on the task assigned regarding the procurement and installation of cameras. The committee deemed spending Rs1 billion solely on CCTV cameras for election day as wasteful expenditure and urged exploration of alternative options.
The PITB Chairman proposed that with a release of Rs1.5 billion, they could install CCTV cameras at the most critical polling stations across the province. He stressed the urgency of implementing the clause for procurement to expedite the process. Noting that deputy commissioners had already progressed in renting CCTV cameras for the elections, he recommended immediate authorization for the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the Punjab Information Technology Board to purchase cameras.
Furthermore, he highlighted that these cameras, once purchased, would become a permanent government asset, potentially utilized by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority post-elections. Additionally, he suggested a collaborative procurement approach between the Safe Cities Authority and deputy commissioners, with the latter issuing a separate tender for installation through private entities.
During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police raised concerns about the availability of a sufficient number of CCTV cameras meeting the required quality standards outlined by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Consequently, the Finance Secretary was instructed to allocate additional funds if the expenditure exceeds Rs950 million for camera installation.
