KARACHI: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Karachi, Pir Muhammad Shah, has addressed the controversy surrounding two viral images allegedly captured during traffic camera surveillance, saying that a formal inquiry is underway to determine their authenticity and source.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Report Card, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah stated that the department had immediately initiated an internal investigation after the images began circulating on social media, raising concerns about privacy violations and misuse of surveillance footage.
He clarified that the probe aims to determine whether the pictures were genuinely taken from Karachi’s traffic control cameras or captured through privately operated cameras. “We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness,” he said. “By Monday, we expect the inquiry report to clarify whether these images originated from the official traffic monitoring system or from external, privately installed cameras.”
The viral images, which appeared to show individuals engaged in private activities, sparked public outrage and debate over the ethical use of surveillance systems in urban areas. Many citizens questioned whether the city’s traffic cameras were being misused to invade people’s privacy instead of focusing on road safety and traffic management.
DIG Pir Muhammad Shah reassured the public that strict protocols govern the operation of Karachi’s traffic control cameras, which are primarily used to monitor traffic flow, detect violations, and improve road management. “If it is established that any official or external party misused footage or leaked private data, severe disciplinary and legal action will be taken,” he affirmed.
He added that the system logs and camera networks are being thoroughly reviewed to ensure no breach of the command-and-control infrastructure has occurred. “We are coordinating with technical experts and cybercrime units to trace the origin of the viral content,” Shah noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in digital surveillance operations.
The DIG also highlighted that Karachi’s smart traffic monitoring network consists of hundreds of cameras installed across major intersections, which are meant solely for law enforcement and traffic regulation purposes. Any unauthorized access or use of this footage, he warned, constitutes a serious violation of departmental policy and data protection laws.
Public and digital rights activists have urged the government to enhance oversight and data protection mechanisms around surveillance systems to prevent potential misuse. They stressed the need for transparency, regular audits, and accountability in how public surveillance data is collected, stored, and managed.
