On November 13, just two days after a suicide blast outside Islamabad’s district and sessions court killed 12 people and injured 36, the federal government announced a sweeping new security scheme for the capital. The plan hinged on a “secure neighbourhood” registration drive, called the ICT (Islamabad Capital Territory) Household Survey. It was designed to collect information about who was occupying every house, shop or office across the city. Officials framed it as a necessary response to a fast-changing city. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, during a press briefing, said residents could fill the digital form themselves by downloading an app. Officials admitted there was “no law to ask the details from the landlord and the tenants,” which was why the district magistrate was asked to issue compulsory orders. For some residents, the newest version was simply common sense.
At the end of the day, I think it’s a good initiative,” said a resident of Sector F-8, who requested not to be named. “I checked with some of my connections, and it seems legit. It doesn’t seem to cause any harm, other than the fact that I don’t trust people with my private data. But with the app, if I can submit it online safely, I am fine with it. Mostly, I’ve heard the authorities want to kick out illegal residents.” Adnan from Sector F-7, who chose to be identified by his first name only, opined that the plan was “just for optics.” The government does not care about our privacy or security. This is just being done to calm the public down.”