Prioritising Karachi’s safety
In response to escalating criminal activity in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has greenlit the implementation of the Smart Safe City project, marking a significant stride in bolstering urban security. This pioneering initiative seeks to address the city’s pressing security challenges through innovative technological integration and represents a multifaceted approach to enhancing surveillance and response capabilities.
With plans to install 1,300 CCTV cameras equipped with cutting-edge features such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and facial recognition, the initiative aims to provide real-time monitoring and swift intervention in high-risk areas. The establishment of a centralised Command and Control Centre, coupled with database integration with national criminal databases, holds great promise to streamline law enforcement operations and facilitate targeted interventions against criminal activities.
However, as we embark on this technological endeavour, it is crucial to recognise that the efficacy of such initiatives hinges not only on advanced technology but also on the capabilities of those tasked with its operation. Technology can only be wielded effectively if it is in the hands of capable individuals. Therefore, alongside investments in surveillance and response technologies, comprehensive reforms within the Sindh Police are urgently needed to ensure that Karachi’s law enforcement is equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This entails investing in proper vigilance, training and recruitment of skilled professionals within law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, prioritising community-oriented policing approaches to foster trust and collaboration between the police and the community can indeed go a long way in empowering residents to play an active role in crime prevention. Such trust-building measures need to be a precursor to technological development. As Karachi grapples with the challenges of escalating crime, strategic investments in both technology and grassroots development are imperative to creating a safer, more secure environment for its residents.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 25th, 2024.
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