Punjab shrines get 24/7 AI-powered monitoring with 128 cameras, says Dr Ehsan Bhutta

LAHORE: Punjab’s major shrines are entering a new era of digital security, with the Auqaf Department launching a 24/7 monitoring system powered by advanced surveillance technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta said the newly established Command and Control Room at Auqaf Headquarters in Lahore is now operational and will provide continuous oversight of major religious sites to improve security, facilities and the overall experience of devotees.

Speaking during a briefing on the system’s launch and performance, Dr Bhutta said the first phase has connected 10 of 16 designated model shrines, including the historic Badshahi Mosque. Four connected sites are in Lahore and another four are in Multan.

The system has already undergone a practical test during the three-day annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah (RA) in Kasur. According to Dr Bhutta, the shrine was monitored continuously from the Command and Control Room, with hourly situation reports prepared and reviewed by the monitoring team.

Any shortcomings identified during the Urs could therefore be communicated and addressed quickly, demonstrating the potential of the system to improve real-time supervision and emergency response.

128 Cameras, AI and 30-Day Recording

The Command and Control Room features high-resolution 4K display screens capable of simultaneously monitoring 128 camera channels. It also includes AI-powered surveillance, storage for up to 30 days of continuous recordings, a one-hour UPS backup and dedicated 300 Mbps internet connectivity for uninterrupted video streaming.

A trained monitoring team operates around the clock in three shifts, supported by professional command stations, remote communication facilities and a reporting system. Staff members have also received specialised training to operate the technology effectively.

Dr Bhutta said the department is working to connect the monitoring system with relevant police stations so emergencies can trigger a faster and coordinated response.

He described the Command and Control Room as an important milestone in Auqaf Punjab’s wider digital transformation. The department is also digitising Auqaf properties and land records, which officials believe will help identify and tackle illegal encroachments.

Dr Bhutta reiterated that the department would continue efforts to recover Auqaf land from unlawful occupants.

According to the secretary, ongoing digital and administrative reforms have already improved institutional efficiency and contributed to a significant increase in departmental revenue.

The initiative is expected to be expanded to other major shrines, potentially making technology-driven security and real-time management a permanent feature of Punjab’s religious sites.