Latest news with #SafeCitiesAuthority
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Punjab expands free Wi-Fi service with upgraded speeds
Listen to article The Chief Minister's Free Wi-Fi service has been extended to more areas across Punjab, including Lahore. The number of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Lahore has increased from 200 to 230, and the service has now been upgraded to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. According to a spokesperson, the switch to Wi-Fi 6 technology will provide users with faster and more stable internet service. The Safe Cities Authority is offering free Wi-Fi at 300 locations across 11 districts in Punjab. This service is currently active in Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Attock, with residents in Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree also benefiting from the service at key locations. The spokesperson for Safe Cities confirmed that the free Wi-Fi service will soon be expanded throughout the entire province. To date, over 17.7 million users have accessed the service, with a total of 438 terabytes of data used. Residents have expressed satisfaction, noting that the service has made their daily activities easier. The spokesperson also clarified that the free Wi-Fi service is intended for emergency use and will not be available for video streaming or entertainment purposes. Following the orders of the Chief Minister of Punjab, efforts are ongoing to transform the province into a digital hub. Earlier, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz revealed ambitious plans to upgrade the province's government schools with smart classrooms and digital labs, marking a step towards integrating modern technology into traditional education. Speaking on Digital Learning Day, Chief Minister Maryam emphasised that in today's world, technological advancement and education go hand in hand. "Development is now linked to technology, and the youth of Punjab must be equipped with the skills required to meet the demands of the modern world,' she said. The Chief Minister highlighted the government's efforts to create opportunities for students to align with international market demands, specifically through the introduction of advanced IT training programmes. As part of these efforts, Punjab is providing students with access to international-standard IT courses, including artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and freelancing.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Security beefed up for cricket fixtures
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has completed security arrangements for the Champions Trophy. According to details, the monitoring of matches being played in Lahore and Rawalpindi is underway using the latest surveillance systems. Monitoring is being done inside and outside the Qaddafi and Rawalpindi stadiums through Safe City cameras. For match security, monitoring continues with over 600 cameras, including facial recognition. Surveillance is being carried out 24 hours a day from the airport, hotel to the stadium, and surrounding routes. The spokesperson for the Safe Cities Authority stated that virtual patrolling officers and technical teams are on duty 24/7 at the Safe City Headquarters.
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Over 13,000 police personnel to be deployed for ICC Champions Trophy
Listen to article Pakistan is set to host its first major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament in nearly three decades, with over 13,000 police personnel deployed across the cities of Lahore and Rawalpindi for security. The event, the ICC Champions Trophy, will be held from February 19 to March 9, and will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The deployment comes after years of security concerns in the wake of a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, which led to international teams avoiding tours to Pakistan. Following the attack, Pakistan's cricket scene struggled to host international teams, but the situation began to improve in 2019 with the return of the Sri Lankan Test team. In the years since, foreign players have participated in Pakistan's domestic T20 leagues, marking a slow but steady return of international cricket. This year's tournament will see Pakistan hosting eight teams, but India's matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates. India's refusal to send its team to Pakistan stems from its government's security concerns. To ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans, over 13,000 police officers will be on duty during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. More than 8,000 officers will be assigned to security tasks in Lahore, while more than 5,000 will be stationed in Rawalpindi. Senior officers, district superintendents, inspectors, and women officers will all be part of the security force. Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar stated that the police are conducting intelligence-based operations around the players' residences and along team routes to the stadiums. The Safe Cities Authority will monitor the area through cameras, ensuring security at stadiums, hotels, and other venues. Police units will conduct regular patrols during the matches, and snipers will be positioned on tall buildings around stadiums to ensure additional protection. Dr Anwar assured the public that the authorities are committed to providing a peaceful and secure environment for the tournament, urging fans to follow all security and safety protocols. The tournament will be hosted across three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Both Lahore and Karachi stadiums have undergone extensive renovations to enhance the viewing experience for spectators and improve broadcast quality. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan's return to hosting major international cricket tournaments since it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka and India. As the country prepares for this milestone event, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and smooth organisation of the ICC Champions Trophy, sending a message of resilience and commitment to the world of cricket.
