The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad has announced a pioneering door-to-door survey to create a comprehensive citizens’ database, aimed at enhancing security and supporting urban planning. This ambitious initiative, which will incorporate geo-tagging technology, seeks to capture detailed information about residents across urban, rural, and informal settlements in the capital, ensuring a safer and better-planned future for all.
A Strategic Move to Bolster Citizen Safety and Planning
On Friday, the CDA, under the leadership of Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, convened a high-level meeting to outline the strategy for this groundbreaking survey. Attendees included senior officials from the CDA, the Ministry of Interior, the District Administration, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and the Islamabad Police. The meeting focused on launching a door-to-door survey alongside a mobile application designed to safeguard lives and property while optimising security measures.
The survey will collect detailed data, including the geo-tagged locations of residences, family members, tenants, relatives, and foreign nationals. This comprehensive database is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future urban development and security planning in Islamabad. By covering not only urban areas but also rural localities and informal settlements, the initiative ensures inclusivity, addressing the needs of all residents in the capital.
Introducing the Pak ID App for Seamless Data Collection
A key component of this initiative is the “Pak ID” mobile application, developed by NADRA to simplify the registration process. The app, designed with a user-friendly interface, allows citizens to input their details from the comfort of their homes with minimal data entry. Chairman Randhawa directed officials to enhance the app’s accessibility by integrating it with existing platforms and incorporating automated data collection features to streamline the process.
The app is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the citizens’ database is accurate and up-to-date. By empowering residents to contribute their information directly, the CDA aims to make the data collection process faster, more efficient, and inclusive. This technological integration reflects Islamabad’s commitment to leveraging innovation for better governance and citizen safety.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement
To ensure the survey’s success, the CDA is collaborating with multiple institutions, including Suparco, which will provide high-quality imagery to support the geo-tagging process. This partnership underscores the initiative’s emphasis on precision and reliability in data collection. Additionally, a comprehensive awareness campaign will be launched to encourage maximum citizen participation, particularly in registering through the Pak ID app.
The involvement of the Islamabad Police, NADRA, and other stakeholders highlights the collaborative nature of this effort. The database will not only enhance security by providing accurate resident information but also enable the district administration to plan services more effectively. From infrastructure development to disaster preparedness, the data collected will inform decisions that directly impact the lives of Islamabad’s residents.
A Vision for a Safer, Smarter Islamabad
Chairman Randhawa emphasised that the door-to-door survey and Pak ID app are critical steps towards ensuring the peace and safety of the capital’s citizens. “No effort will be spared to create a secure environment for the people of Islamabad,” he stated, underscoring the CDA’s commitment to utilising all available resources to achieve this goal. The initiative reflects a broader vision of transforming Islamabad into a model city, where data-driven planning and robust security measures go hand in hand.
As the CDA embarks on this transformative journey, the creation of a citizens’ database through a door-to-door survey marks a significant milestone. By combining cutting-edge technology, such as the Pak ID app, with grassroots efforts, the authority is laying the foundation for a safer and more resilient Islamabad. The success of this initiative will depend on the active participation of citizens, who are urged to engage with the survey and embrace this opportunity to contribute to a secure and well-planned future for the capital.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 23rd, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
