LAHORE: Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to deploy satellite-based thermal imaging technology for continuous forest surveillance.
The initiative, launched under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to monitor forest activities 24/7 and detect illegal logging, forest fires, and other criminal activities.
The technology, which has initially been installed in the forests of Murree and Rawalpindi, uses advanced thermal imaging to detect heat signatures, enabling authorities to identify suspicious activities during both day and night. This system provides real-time satellite feeds, enhancing the province’s surveillance and response capabilities.
The initiative is backed by a team of Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts who will process the data, analyze trends, and generate timely reports to support quick decision-making. The system is not only expected to boost forest conservation efforts but also aid in agricultural, wildlife, and fisheries management.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting forests, stressing that the new technology will help identify and penalize offenders involved in illegal deforestation, wildfires, or poaching.
