Remove Unnecessary Cameras Near GHQ and Sensitive Sites, Senator Afnan Ullah Tells Senate IT Committee

Islamabad

Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Wednesday voiced serious concerns over potential security risks linked to surveillance cameras and foreign technology used across sensitive installations.

During the meeting, Senator Afnan Ullah called for the removal of unnecessary cameras installed near sensitive locations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ), warning that such devices could pose a growing security threat.

“Surveillance cameras are increasingly becoming a security risk and unnecessary cameras near sensitive sites should be removed,” he told the committee.

Senator Palwasha Khan also expressed concern about the misuse of monitoring technologies, saying such systems could be used to track individuals without accountability.

“Everyone appears to be under surveillance, and those behind such systems do not tolerate any criticism,” she said.

Senator Talha Mahmood raised concerns about foreign technology firms operating in Pakistan, alleging that some technology companies had links with Israel.

He recalled that in 2009 a technology company was monitoring communications at the Prime Minister’s House, claiming that signals from the system were originating from the Diplomatic Enclave.

Briefing the committee, the Director General of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) acknowledged that Pakistan had acquired nearly 99 percent of its IT technology from foreign sources, increasing reliance on international vendors.

He added that several global technology firms had alleged links with Israel and said authorities were taking action to review and regulate such companies.

According to the DG National CERT, more than 15 technology companies had already been shut down as part of efforts to address potential security risks.

Committee members stressed the need for stronger oversight of foreign technology providers and improved cybersecurity safeguards to protect sensitive infrastructure and national data.