Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the CM House to review the progress of the Karachi Safe City Project, approving the proposed framework for its second phase. The meeting focused on accelerating the city’s transformation into a digitally enabled, AI-powered surveillance network designed to enhance public safety, traffic regulation, and emergency response across Karachi. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, and Safe City Authority Director General Asif Aijaz Shaikh, were present to review ongoing developments and discuss next steps for implementation.
Officials informed the meeting that Phase I, launched on May 31, 2024, is progressing steadily and is on track for completion by November 30, 2025. This phase includes the establishment of high-resolution CCTV systems, command and control centres, and AI-driven analytical tools for facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and real-time monitoring. The integration of these technologies aims to strengthen coordination between law enforcement agencies and ensure rapid emergency response. The installation of cameras, poles, POP sites, and servers has been completed, while data storage and network infrastructure have been set up to support seamless operation. The home department also confirmed that 12 emergency response vehicles have been connected to the command centre, enhancing field-level coordination and on-ground responsiveness.
In the next phase, the Sindh government aims to expand the Safe City Project to additional districts, including South, East, and Malir, with special focus on commercial zones and high-priority areas such as DHA. Phase II will feature the deployment of 4,750 new surveillance cameras, upgrading 1,750 existing units, and installing 3,000 intelligent traffic system cameras to support electronic ticketing through the Traffic Accident and Control System (TRACS). The Command and Control Centre at the Central Police Office will also be upgraded to manage data from more than 6,000 cameras, while two regional control centres will be set up at the South DIG office and the Civic Centre. These enhancements will introduce computer-aided dispatch systems, 3D monitoring dashboards, and AI-based analytics such as AcuSeek to support real-time decision-making.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed the Safe City Authority to strengthen network infrastructure for uninterrupted data transmission and ensure integration with key databases, including criminal records, vehicle registrations, and NADRA data. He emphasized strict adherence to quality standards and timelines, describing the initiative as a major step toward secure and smart urban management. The meeting also covered financial planning, staffing, and operational logistics. The Chief Minister instructed the finance and home departments to finalize funding mechanisms and remove administrative barriers to maintain progress.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Murad Ali Shah stated that Karachi’s safety and economic vitality remain top priorities. He noted that the Safe City Project represents a comprehensive urban management and security solution aimed at modernizing public safety systems. Before concluding the session, he directed all departments to submit progress updates and policy recommendations to ensure a smooth transition between project phases and effective coordination among agencies. The Sindh government’s continued investment in digital infrastructure and AI-enabled governance demonstrates a broader commitment to modernizing Karachi’s urban landscape and improving public security standards across the province.
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