Karachi has initiated the first phase of its Safe City Project, aimed at enhancing public safety through advanced surveillance technologies. The project’s initial rollout includes the installation of 43 poles, equipped with 25 high-resolution surveillance cameras that will relay live footage to the Central Police Office (CPO) Command and Control Center. The innovative setup is designed to provide real-time monitoring that supports law enforcement agencies in reducing crime and improving safety across the city. As it progresses, the project plans to expand its coverage and incorporate advanced technologies, highlighting Karachi’s commitment to creating a secure urban environment.
Asif Aijaz Shaikh, the director general of the Sindh Safe City Project Karachi, discussed the project’s benefits in an exclusive interview, noting its reliance on cutting-edge technological advancements, including facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). The high-resolution cameras can capture detailed images from multiple angles for precise identification, bolstered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms for effective data handling. The initiative is rooted in the use of real-time CCTV footage monitored by the CPO, facilitating efficient responses to criminal activities and enhancing overall situational awareness within high-risk areas.
In the project’s current phase, law enforcement has made significant progress, with 1,300 cameras planned for installation in critical locations. The necessary groundwork, including the completion of surveys for 300 pole sites, has been executed, while 200 sites are under construction. So far, 50 poles have been installed, and the CPO Control Room has been equipped with essential technology and operational capabilities for effective surveillance. Collaborations with technology providers like Hikvision highlight the strong support system behind the initiative, enabling the establishment of robust security measures through state-of-the-art surveillance solutions.
The integration of advanced surveillance technologies is set to revolutionize Karachi’s policing approach. Features such as night vision, vehicle plate recording, and AI analytics empower the police to identify and monitor individuals or vehicles threatening public safety swiftly. This transformation is crucial for real-time crime detection and prevention, providing law enforcement with an edge in urban security. Shaikh emphasizes that these enhanced capabilities significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of urban security applications, allowing for a more proactive approach to crime prevention.
Addressing the sensitive subject of data privacy, Shaikh underscored the importance of implementing strong regulatory frameworks and technological safeguards. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has been tasked with managing data securely, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards in data usage. Maintaining public trust is crucial, which necessitates clear accountability mechanisms to prevent potential misuse of information gathered through surveillance systems. Shaikh reassured that robust oversight will help mitigate privacy concerns while promoting the overall efficacy of the Safe City Project.
Looking ahead, the Sindh Safe City Project plans to expand in five phases over the next three years, with the second phase introducing an integrated command and control center featuring an expansive monitoring wall. Additional advancements will include intelligent traffic management systems and enhanced geographic information systems (GIS) to improve overall traffic and law enforcement management. These developments are expected to significantly bolster Karachi’s security infrastructure, paving the way for more comprehensive safety measures that will benefit residents and visitors alike.
