The escalating prevalence of street crimes in Karachi is a cause for concern among the populace. However, a prospective remedy is on the horizon. Distinguished officials and prominent business leaders are lauding the comprehensive Karachi Safe City (KSC) project, consisting of five phases, as the ultimate solution to tackle 90% of the city’s criminal activities. With a significant budget of Rs36 billion, the project aims to revolutionise public safety and security management by incorporating advanced technology.
The KSC project is an ambitious initiative, surpassing the Safe City projects in Islamabad and Lahore in terms of modernity and comprehensiveness. The inauguration of the first phase in the red zone and airport corridor harbors the potential to remarkably impact the city’s safety and security.
The project envisions the installation of 12,000 cameras across 2,400 sites to establish an extensive surveillance network for efficient analysis and heightened law enforcement operations. Core components such as facial recognition (FR), automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are integral to the project, connected to advanced command and control centres to amplify public safety through crime prevention and swift emergency response.
Additionally, the project will incorporate a digital forensics component to bolster crime prevention, establishing a robust system. The copious amounts of data generated by this surveillance network will be an indispensable tool for law enforcement to address incidents.
The successful implementation of the KSC project is anticipated to have a far-reaching impact on Karachi’s safety and security. Upon full execution, a projected crime reduction of 50% is expected after the first phase, increasing to a remarkable 90% upon completion of the entire project. This monumental effort by the Sindh government, Sindh Police, and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) under the Ministry of Defence Production marks a significant advancement in making Karachi a model for leveraging technology to create safer urban environments.
The project’s impact extends beyond Karachi, as the Sindh Safe Cities Authority (SSCA) plans to expand the project to other cities, including Sukkur and Hyderabad. This project promises to be a game-changer in urban security, ushering in the era of e-policing as a solution to the rise in street crimes.
Noman Said, an international safe cities consultant, underscores the project’s scalability and technological innovations, positioning it as an essential tool for combating and eradicating crimes. With meticulous planning and execution, the project is poised to become a beacon of hope for the residents and businesses in Karachi.
It is imperative to recognize that the project’s success hinges not only on technology but also on collaborative efforts and commitment from various law enforcement agencies. The establishment of response units and expedited apprehension of criminals will be pivotal in ensuring the system’s success.
The project’s profound impact on the business environment is indisputable. Renowned industrialist and economic analyst Riazuddin underscores the potential for Karachi to become a haven for businesses once street crimes are mitigated. He emphasizes the need for a transparent and efficient process, coupled with advanced technology, to achieve this objective.
The groundbreaking KSC project is poised to reshape the urban security landscape in Karachi. With the right approach and effective implementation, it stands to revolutionize public safety and security, paving the way for a brighter future for the city and its residents.