IN a significant move towards ensuring the safety and security of the residents of Karachi, the caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh Maqbool Baqar, has given principled approval to the long-awaited Karachi Safe City Project. The prolonged delays in the implementation of the project have been a matter of concern. However, Justice Maqbool Baqar’s proactive approach in pushing the project forward is commendable. At a meeting the other day, he very rightly emphasized the need for transparent utilization, underlining the importance of rationalizing rates, addressing tax matters and ensuring that the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) satisfies the authorities with accurate estimates. The formation of a technical committee, headed by Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, to evaluate equipment prices and compare them with market rates is a prudent step towards ensuring cost-effectiveness.
The Safe City Project is not just a much-needed initiative; it is a vital lifeline for a metropolitan city like Karachi. The importance of such security measures is evident when we look at other cities around the world that have successfully implemented similar projects. These initiatives have played a crucial role in curbing crime rate, enhancing public safety and providing a sense of security to the residents. The urgency of Karachi Safe City Project is further highlighted by alarming statistics from the Sindh Bureau of Statistics on law and order. The data reveals a staggering 67 percent concentration of crimes within Sindh in Karachi. Over the past six years, the city has witnessed a jaw-dropping 121 percent increase in criminal incidents, making it the epicentre of reported crimes in the province. Car thefts and snatchings, in particular, have skyrocketed, from 3,858 incidents to an astonishing 30,580 over six years. It is heartening to see the Chief Minister’s dedication to transparency in the project, ensuring that every penny spent is accounted for. However, it is crucial to stress the urgency of implementation, given the pressing security challenges faced by Karachi. The residents have endured the consequences of delays for too long, and a swift execution of the Safe City Project is imperative to curb crime rate and instil a sense of security amongst Karachiites.
