Karachi: Expressing grave concern over the recent attak on a ranger’s facility at Mosimiyat in Karachi, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday regretted that the megacity is paying the price of delay in the Safe City project.
He said Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital and home to more than 20 million people, continues to bear the heavy social, economic and security costs of the prolonged delay in implementing the Safe City project.
Every year of inaction leaves citizens more vulnerable to terror incidents and street crime, hampers effective traffic management, weakens emergency response and deprives law enforcement agencies of modern technological tools that have become standard in major metropolitan cities around the world, he said.
The Safe City project is far more than a network of surveillance cameras, he said, adding it is an integrated public safety system comprising high-definition CCTV cameras, intelligent traffic management, automatic number plate recognition, emergency call centres, modern command-and-control facilities and advanced communication networks. Together, these technologies enable law enforcement agencies to detect crimes, respond rapidly to emergencies, manage traffic efficiently and improve overall urban security.
PDP Chairman said despite significant improvements in Karachi’s law and order situation over the past several years, street crime remains a major concern. Thousands of citizens continue to fall victim to mobile phone snatching, vehicle theft, robberies and other criminal activities every year. Criminal incidents not only inflict financial losses but also create fear, undermine public confidence and reduce the quality of life.
A modern Safe City system can act as a powerful deterrent to crime by increasing the likelihood of detection and prosecution, he said. “Real-time surveillance and intelligent monitoring can help police identify suspects quickly, track stolen vehicles, monitor sensitive locations and respond more effectively to emergencies. Video evidence also strengthens investigations and improves conviction rates.”
The project would also significantly improve traffic management in Karachi, he said. The megacity suffers from chronic traffic congestion, frequent road accidents and widespread traffic violations. Intelligent traffic systems can optimise traffic flow, detect violations automatically, reduce travel times and facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.
He stressed these improvements would save countless productive hours, reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality.
Women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups would particularly benefit from enhanced public safety. “Better surveillance around schools, hospitals, markets, public transport corridors and parks can discourage criminal behaviour and provide greater confidence for citizens to move freely throughout the city.”
He said the economic benefits are equally compelling. Karachi generates the largest share of Pakistan’s revenue and serves as the country’s financial and industrial hub. Investors, businesses and tourists are naturally attracted to cities that offer a safe and secure environment.
He said improved urban security enhances investor confidence, supports economic activity and strengthens Karachi’s competitiveness as a regional business centre.
Several major cities across Asia, Europe and the Middle East have successfully used Safe City technologies to improve policing, emergency response and traffic management, he said. Karachi should embrace these modern solutions while ensuring that surveillance systems operate under clear legal safeguards, independent oversight and robust protections for citizens’ privacy.
Altaf Shakoor said the continued delay in completing the Safe City project represents a missed opportunity to save lives, reduce crime, improve mobility and strengthen economic growth. The cost of delay is measured not only in financial terms but also in the insecurity and inconvenience experienced daily by millions of Karachiites.
He urged the federal and provincial governments to accord the Karachi Safe City project the highest priority. “Adequate funding, transparent implementation, timely completion and professional operation of the system will help transform Karachi into a safer, smarter and more resilient city.”
For a metropolis that drives Pakistan’s economy, investing in modern public safety infrastructure is no longer a choice-it is an urgent necessity, he concluded.