Busting crime index myth (Lahore city)

CCPO attributes ‘improvement’ to efforts of police force

LAHORE: The so-called recent improvement in the rating of the provincial capital on the World Crime Index (WCI), as per a survey conducted by an organisation called Numbeo, is based on only 146 contributors out of a population of more than 11.126 million.

An analysis of the last five years of ratings of two major cities, Karachi and Lahore, revealed that there has been a gradual improvement with each passing year. In 2014, Lahore was rated on 74 and Karachi 6. In mid-2019, Lahore’s position improved to 202 and Karachi’s to 71.

Numbeo’s survey further revealed that Karachi improved almost 11 times more since 2014, while Lahore’s improvement tripled. The current team of senior police officers in Lahore was quick to claim the credit for the improvement on the World Crime Index, attributing it to their efforts.

In a statement a few days back, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) BA Nasir expressed his satisfaction over the improvements and appreciated the role of all officers and officials of Lahore Police.

“Lahore police,” he said “would multiply its efforts for a further decline in crime rate.” “Fresh ranking of Lahore in the updated crime index is no doubt an honour for all of us. It indicates that Lahore police is advancing towards quality policing rather than clinging to traditional ways.”

From January 2014 to January 2018, Lahore’s position on WCI had improved from 70th to 138th. The analysis further showed that the rating on the World Crime Index by Numbeo has been persistently in the ascending order.

The index showed that in 2014, Lahore was on 74 and Karachi on sixth. In mid-2014, Lahore’s position decreased four points to 70th and Karachi’s improved to eighth.

In 2015, Lahore improved to 89th and Karachi to 10th. In mid-2015, Lahore’s position improved to 96th and Karachi’s to 21th.

In 2016, Lahore observed a slight decrease on WCI to 86th while Karachi improved to 26th. In mid-2016, Lahore was ranked 81st with a decrease of four positions and Karachi witnessed further improvement and fell on 31st. In 2017, Lahore was ranked 119th and Karachi 47th. In mid-2017, Lahore was graded 114th and Karachi on 50th. In 2018, Lahore was ranked 138th and Karachi stood in 50th position. In mid-2018, Lahore was categorised as 173rd and Karachi on 62nd.

In 2019, Lahore improved to 174th position and Karachi on 61st. And in mid-2019, Lahore was ranked on 202nd and Karachi 71st. A senior police officer commented that challenges faced by Lahore Police remained almost the same. On the other hand, the commanders projected free FIR registration as their policy. “What was the miracle that has caused such a steep decline in crime rate in Lahore?” he asked. The police officer questioned how a survey could be trusted with only 146 contributors (random people as anyone can send an email on Numbeo). 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2019.