CM Sets Deadline for Karachi Safe City Project Launch. The Sindh government has confirmed that Phase I of the Karachi Safe City Project will be launched within the next two months, marking a major step toward strengthening urban security and traffic management in Pakistan’s largest city.
The announcement was made by Syed Murad Ali Shah during a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House, where he directed concerned departments to ensure the project becomes fully operational within the given timeline.
Installation Complete, Trial Operations Underway
Officials briefed the chief minister that installation work for Phase I has already been completed, while trial operations are currently in progress. Live surveillance footage from installed cameras is now being transmitted directly to the Central Police Office’s command and control center, enabling real-time monitoring.
Under the first phase, advanced surveillance cameras have been deployed at strategic and sensitive locations, including the Red Zone and the airport corridor, areas considered critical for security and traffic flow in Karachi.
Technology-Driven Public Safety Measures
The Karachi Safe City Project is designed to enhance public safety through modern, technology-based solutions. These include:
- Real-time citywide monitoring
- Facial recognition technology
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
- Intelligent traffic management systems
According to officials, these tools will support law enforcement agencies in crime prevention, faster response times, and improved traffic control across major routes.
Temporary Hiring Approved to Avoid Delays
To ensure smooth operations, the chief minister approved the temporary contractual recruitment of technical experts. This decision aims to prevent staffing gaps that could slow down the system once the project goes live.
Authorities explained that trained technical staff are essential for managing surveillance infrastructure, data systems, and command center operations during the initial rollout.
Revised Budget Approved for Phase I
During the meeting, Syed Murad Ali Shah also approved a revised budget of Rs200 million for Phase I of the project. The funds have been reallocated to prioritize:
- Operational staffing
- On-ground patrolling support
- Technical readiness
The revised allocation is expected to help ensure uninterrupted operations once the system becomes fully functional.
Expansion Planned for Other Sindh Cities
Looking beyond Karachi, the chief minister instructed the Sindh Safe City Authority to begin preparations for launching similar safe city projects in Hyderabad and Sukkur.
He directed officials to submit detailed implementation plans for these cities, including cost estimates, timelines, and technical requirements, for formal approval.
Major Step Toward Smarter Urban Security
Once fully operational, the Karachi Safe City Project is expected to significantly improve law enforcement coordination, reduce crime response times, and support smarter traffic management. Officials believe the project will bring Karachi closer to international standards of urban surveillance and public safety.
The Sindh government maintains that completing Phase I on schedule remains a top priority, with regular progress reviews planned until the official launch.
Conclusion
Karachi Safe City Project marks a major step toward safer, smarter urban management. With advanced surveillance, improved coordination, and a clear launch deadline, the initiative is expected to strengthen law enforcement, enhance traffic control, and boost public confidence across Karachi once Phase I becomes fully operational.
