Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Thursday that the first phase of the Karachi Safe City Project will become fully operational within two months after the completion of the technology installation and the start of the trial phase.
During a high-level meeting of the Sindh Safe Cities Authority, the Chief Minister emphasized the project’s importance for urban security. He said that “The Karachi Safe City Project is very important for the city,” and affirmed that “no compromise will be made on the security of Karachi.”
In the initial phase of the security project, 1,300 cameras have been installed at 300 pole sites, connected by 254 km of newly laid fiber optic cable. This infrastructure also includes 18 Points of Presence and 23 emergency response vehicles that are now operational.
DG Safe Cities Authority Sarfraz Nawaz briefed the participants, confirming that the facial and number plate recognition systems are fully functional and ready for the project’s launch.
To ensure uninterrupted operations, the Chief Minister directed the immediate recruitment of personnel, approving 34 posts for expert technical and administrative officers. A selection committee notified by the Services and General Administration Department will oversee the recruitments.
The Sindh leader also approved a revised budget of Rs 200 million for the scheme. It was decided that the Authority will temporarily operate from the Central Police Office.
Looking to the future, Syed Murad Ali Shah revealed plans to expand the Safe City Project to other major urban centers, including Hyderabad and Sukkur. He also mentioned that a separate project to install smart cameras at provincial entry and exit points has been completed.
The Chief Minister added that the new Safe City patrol vehicles deployed in the city will also serve as a Rapid Response Force.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IG Police Javed Alam Odho, provincial secretaries, heads of departments, and members of the provincial assembly.