Newswire
Karachi: Pakistan’s efforts to modernise urban public safety systems and strengthen maritime security are set to receive a technological boost through a new partnership between Pakistani Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and maritime solutions provider SI Global Solutions (Pvt) Ltd and China’s Jovision Technology Co., Ltd., a Jinan-based global provider of intelligent video surveillance technology.
SI Global Solutions this week signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jovision Technology to introduce advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based surveillance systems, intelligent CCTV solutions and modern marine safety equipment in Pakistan, marking another step towards expanding China-Pakistan cooperation in the fields of smart cities, digital security, maritime navigation and technology transfer.
The partnership is expected to support Pakistan’s efforts to develop more technologically advanced safe city projects while simultaneously improving safety and navigation infrastructure at the country’s ports and harbours, said the Pakistani company in a statement issued here.
Under the agreement, SI Global Solutions will serve as Jovision’s exclusive partner in Pakistan for the deployment of AI-powered surveillance solutions in safe city projects. The cooperation will cover intelligent CCTV systems, cloud-based video analytics, full-colour night vision technology and integrated command-and-control platforms designed to strengthen real-time monitoring, public safety and crime prevention.
The collaboration brings a Chinese technology company with expertise in intelligent video surveillance into closer cooperation with a Pakistani company already engaged in safe city consultancy, ICT system integration and maritime navigation solutions.
The agreement reflects the growing role of Chinese technology and engineering solutions in Pakistan’s efforts to upgrade critical public infrastructure and adopt smart technologies for urban management and security.
Jovision Technology, based in Jinan, China, has established itself as an international provider of intelligent video surveillance technologies. Its cooperation with SI Global Solutions is expected to provide a channel for introducing advanced AI-enabled security applications into Pakistani cities and public infrastructure.
The Pakistani company has offices in the United States and the United Arab Emirates as well as a presence in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. It has been involved in safe city consultancy and maritime navigation solutions, positioning it to integrate Chinese technologies with local infrastructure and operational requirements.
The partnership also has a significant maritime component, with SI Global Solutions sourcing advanced polyurethane buoys from China for deployment at Pakistani ports.
The company said it was the first in Pakistan to introduce polyurethane buoys, which are designed to provide greater durability and lower maintenance requirements while offering enhanced resistance to severe marine and weather conditions.
The introduction of such equipment could contribute to the modernisation of navigation infrastructure at Pakistani ports, particularly as the country seeks to improve maritime safety and operational efficiency in its growing port and logistics sector.
The China-sourced marine equipment is also intended to comply with standards of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), reflecting the emphasis being placed on internationally recognised technical and safety standards.
A delegation of safe city and maritime experts from SI Global Solutions, led by retired Commander Liaquat Ali of the Pakistan Navy, recently visited China as part of efforts to deepen technical cooperation and examine advanced technologies and equipment.
During the visit, the delegation held technical discussions and attended product demonstrations, helping establish the groundwork for the agreement with Jovision and the sourcing of Chinese marine equipment for Pakistan.
The engagement indicates that the cooperation is moving beyond conventional trade in equipment towards technical collaboration and the adaptation of advanced Chinese technologies to Pakistan’s specific urban and maritime requirements.
For Pakistan, the adoption of AI-based surveillance technologies could provide safe city authorities with greater capacity to monitor large urban areas, identify incidents and respond more efficiently through integrated command-and-control systems.
Cloud-based video analytics can potentially enable authorities to process and analyse large volumes of surveillance footage, while advanced night-vision capabilities can improve monitoring during periods of low visibility.
The maritime side of the cooperation is equally significant. Pakistan has been seeking to improve the safety, efficiency and technological capacity of its ports as maritime trade and logistics assume a greater role in the country’s economic development.
Modern navigation aids, including durable marine buoys, are an important component of port and harbour safety, helping vessels navigate designated channels and other maritime areas safely.
The cooperation with Chinese companies therefore has the potential to create a broader technology ecosystem linking urban security, maritime safety, ICT integration and smart infrastructure.
Dr Noman Ahmed Said, CEO of SI Global Solutions, said the company was honoured to partner with its Chinese counterparts and described the cooperation as consistent with a shared vision of safer cities and smarter ports.
He said the partnership demonstrated the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and global standards, adding that cooperation with Chinese technology partners would enable the company to contribute to improving the safety and security of Pakistan’s urban centres and maritime infrastructure.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of expanding Pakistan-China cooperation in emerging technologies and infrastructure development. Chinese companies have increasingly been involved in Pakistan’s digital transformation, smart infrastructure, telecommunications, energy, transportation and industrial sectors.
The SI Global-Jovision partnership adds public safety and maritime technology to this expanding spectrum of cooperation, with a particular emphasis on AI, intelligent surveillance and advanced navigation equipment.
The initiative could also open opportunities for greater localisation of technology in Pakistan, as local system integrators and engineering companies work with Chinese technology providers to adapt international products to domestic requirements.
The cooperation is particularly relevant to Pakistan’s safe city projects, where the integration of surveillance cameras, artificial intelligence, data analytics and command-and-control systems is becoming increasingly important.
Rather than relying solely on conventional CCTV networks, next-generation systems can combine high-resolution imaging with automated analytics and centralised monitoring, allowing authorities to manage increasingly complex urban environments more efficiently.
Similarly, the introduction of modern marine equipment could support Pakistan’s efforts to bring port safety infrastructure closer to international standards while reducing maintenance requirements and extending the operational life of equipment exposed to harsh marine conditions.
The partnership thus represents a convergence of two strategic areas, smart urban security and maritime infrastructure, where Pakistan is seeking greater technological capabilities and where Chinese companies have developed substantial expertise.
The agreement is also expected to strengthen commercial and technical links between Pakistani and Chinese technology companies, potentially creating space for further cooperation in AI, surveillance, marine navigation, ICT integration and other smart infrastructure applications.
With Pakistan continuing to expand its safe city initiatives and modernise its ports, cooperation with Chinese technology providers could become an increasingly important element of the country’s efforts to build technologically advanced, secure and efficiently managed urban and maritime infrastructure.
