Syed Mubasher Hussain
In an era marked by escalating urban challenges, including crime prevention, traffic congestion and environmental pollution, the Smart Safe City initiative in Punjab stands out as a beacon of hope. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this initiative transcends mere policy and embodies her personal commitment to fostering secure and vibrant urban environments for all citizens. Recognizing the initiative’s profound importance in enhancing urban safety and combating crime, Chief Minister Maryam has expressed, on various occasions, that this project is exceptionally close to her heart, reflecting her dedication to the well-being of the community, and making her vision of a “Safer Punjab” a reality.
Currently, the Safe City project is operational in three cities: Lahore, Nankana, and Kasur. Significant progress has been made in Sialkot and Sheikhupura, where major work has been completed. In provincial cities like Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, and Faisalabad, Smart Safe City projects have been launched in record time using the province’s technical team and resources. The forthcoming inauguration of the Smart Safe City projects in Sialkot and Sheikhupura marks a pivotal moment in urban safety and governance for Punjab. This initiative strengthens law enforcement capabilities and establishes a comprehensive framework for public safety, incorporating advanced surveillance technology, artificial intelligence, facial recognition, traffic management, and environmental monitoring.
A cornerstone of the Safe City initiative is its robust approach to crime prevention. The extensive network of CCTV cameras acts as the eyes and ears of law enforcement, continuously monitoring locations, including crime hotspots. This proactive strategy has led to significant reduction in crime rates, fostering a sense of security among Punjab’s citizens. A report indicated a 10% decrease in robbery-related calls to emergency helpline-15 and a 20% drop in vehicle theft calls from January to August this year. Overall, registered cases of crime against property have decreased by 34%, with robbery cases experiencing a remarkable decline. These statistics underscore the initiative’s effectiveness and the enhanced performance of the Punjab Police, as highlighted by Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar.
Central to the Safe City initiative is the Integrated Command, Control & Communication (IC3) Centre. This nerve centre receives live feeds from CCTV cameras and coordinates responses to incidents, enabling real-time monitoring of traffic, crime and public safety. By integrating technology into policing, the IC3 Centre ensures that law enforcement and emergency services can respond swiftly and effectively to incidents, enhancing the overall safety and security of urban spaces.
One notable impact of the Punjab Safe Cities initiative occurred during the tragic bomb blast at Faisal Chowk, Lahore, in February 2017, which claimed the lives of DIG Captain (Retd.) Ahmad Mobeen, SSP Operations Zahid Nawaz Gondal, and other officials. The CCTV footage captured by Safe City cameras was crucial in documenting the crime scene and aiding law enforcement in apprehending the perpetrators, underscoring the initiative’s effectiveness in responding to critical events.
Safe City Lahore has supported public safety during major national and international events by deploying advanced surveillance technology that enables real-time monitoring, ensuring swift responses to potential threats. As the city prepares for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, robust security measures will be implemented to safeguard players, officials, and fans. In addition to crime prevention, the Punjab Safe Cities initiative addresses traffic management by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. The AI-based e-challan system, launched in July 2024, targets 19 traffic violations, promoting responsible driving, enhancing road safety, and alleviating congestion, ultimately improving urban quality of life.
The initiative also emphasizes environmental protection by integrating air quality monitoring and deploying sensors to track pollution levels. This proactive approach enables timely interventions to combat smog, safeguard public health, and foster sustainable urban spaces, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of urban management.
During her earlier visit this year, Chief Minister MNS announced plans for the Smart District Safe City project to be launched across all districts by December 31. She introduced an upgraded Women Safety App offering 43 services at the touch of a button and a trial run of the Safe City Crime Stopper app for timely detection of serious crimes. Additionally, AI-based software will help prevent traffic violations, and cameras will monitor encroachments, enhancing urban management.
As the Safe City project expands to 18 additional cities in Punjab, it demonstrates Chief Minister Maryam’s commitment to safer, sustainable communities. An agreement signed on March 13, 2024, between the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) will implement Smart Safe City projects in key cities, emphasizing technological innovation to address urban challenges.
Integral to the initiative’s success is IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar’s leadership, whose proactive strategies modernize law enforcement operations. His commitment ensures the effective integration of technology into policing, emphasizing real-time surveillance and data-driven decision-making. As Punjab advances with its Smart Safe City initiative, it sets a precedent for other provinces, addressing immediate safety concerns while laying the groundwork for sustainable urban development.
In conclusion, the Smart Safe City initiative represents significant progress in urban governance and public safety in Punjab. Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s visionary leadership, this project can redefine security and urban living standards. By focusing on crime prevention, traffic management, environmental protection, and comprehensive surveillance, the Safe City project heralds a brighter future for all citizens, establishing a framework for sustainable urban growth to ensure Punjab’s cities remain secure and vibrant for generations to come.
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