Grants and recognition

At a time when security dilemmas run rife in the country, the Japanese government’s decision to provide a grant of Rs453 million to install a ‘face recognition’ system at major airports in Pakistan comes across as a pivotal move. Any efforts to improve security mechanisms and thereby develop a sound basis for counterterrorism strategies must be welcomed.

The grant has been provided under an agreement that was inked on February 24. According to the agreement, the new system will allow airport staff to guarantee the safety of passengers. It will help identify people through digital face images taken by circuit television cameras. More significantly, the system makes effective use of mass identification capabilities and involves non-contact process. There is a strong likelihood that the system will enhance security dynamics in the country and consequently produce development and economic progress in the country.

Ahmed Jamil

Lahore