Karachi business leaders urge Safe City project

Highlight importance of enhanced security measures to attract investment, restore confidence

KARACHI:

Business leaders in Karachi highlighted the critical role of the Safe City project in revitalising business activity and restoring investor confidence in the city, which serves as the economic engine of Pakistan.

They argue that the implementation of a safe city initiative in Karachi holds the promise of transforming the city into a secure and business-friendly environment, akin to the success witnessed in global business hubs like Singapore. Renowned for its robust security measures and advanced surveillance technology, Singapore has become a magnet for foreign investments and multinational corporations, setting a precedent for the economic benefits of enhanced safety measures.

SI Global Solutions CEO, Noman Said highlighted the potential transformative impact of the Safe City project on Karachi’s business landscape, drawing parallels with Singapore’s success. He stresses that improved surveillance and law enforcement capabilities are expected to reduce crime rates and create a safer environment for businesses and investors. This enhanced security is crucial for attracting foreign investment, which prioritises safety in decision-making.

Moreover, Said points out that the project could elevate Karachi’s status as a venue for international cricket events, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), thereby boosting sports tourism and enhancing the city’s global reputation. Eminent industrialist Riaz Uddin criticised the Sindh government for its perceived reluctance in making Karachi a safe city, despite its status as Pakistan’s economic hub. He underscored the dissatisfaction among Karachiites with the city’s safety and liveability, compared to other cities like Islamabad and Lahore.

Liaquat Ali, another business leader, underscored the exodus of residents from Karachi due to safety concerns, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.

Despite these challenges, progress is underway, with the Karachi Safe City (KSC) project set to launch in the coming month. Divided into five phases, the project will encompass key areas of the city and involve the installation of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras monitored by control rooms.

Pakistan Stock Exchange Director and former chief of the CPLC Karachi, Ahmed Chinoy reiterated the importance of safety and security in instilling confidence among businessmen and citizens. He acknowledged the persistent challenge of street crimes in Karachi but underscored the necessity of the Safe City project in addressing these issues effectively.

An anonymous senior police officer underscored the need for advanced surveillance technology, including facial recognition and artificial intelligence, to combat street crimes effectively. He cited the success of similar projects in cities like London and Lahore, stressing the importance of scaling up surveillance infrastructure to meet the demands of Karachi’s urban landscape.

He noted that Karachi currently has approximately 2,200 traditional cameras installed, but even with the installation of 10,000 cameras, it would not suffice for such a large city. Stressing the need for advanced surveillance technology, he advocated for the installation of cameras equipped with facial recognition and artificial intelligence capabilities. This, he explained, would enable swift detection of street criminals by cross-referencing their images with databases such as NADRA’s, facilitating their immediate apprehension.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2024.

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