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KARACHI, Dec 02 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the Safe City Project is designed to transform Karachi into a secure, technology-driven metropolis through comprehensive video surveillance and also noted that operations in the Katcha area have resulted in the surrender of 71 dacoits.
The CM said this while addressing the 52nd Specialised delegation of 47 Initial Command Course participants, headed by Deputy Commandant (NPA) Mr Sarfraz Ahmed Falki, PSP, who called on him at CM House. IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, and Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh also attended.
Murad Shah outlined the government’s commitment to transforming Sindh Police into a modern force powered by technology. He highlighted the department’s vast scale, with 131,850 personnel serving across 31 districts, eight zones/ranges, and 618 police stations, backed by an annual budget of Rs 189.7 billion.
The Chief Minister noted that the Sindh Police, established in 1843 by Sir Charles Napier on the model of the Royal Irish Constabulary, is the oldest police force in the subcontinent and the second largest in Pakistan.
For administrative and operational purposes, the police are organised under the Inspector General of Police, who oversees the Central Police Office in Karachi. Operations are managed through multiple ranges and regions such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, as well as specialised units like the CTD and SSU.
Shah stressed that modernisation focuses on advanced technology and infrastructure.
The chief minister said that the flagship Safe City Project aims to make Karachi a secure, tech-driven metropolis through comprehensive video surveillance and data analysis. It uses a large network of high-resolution CCTV cameras with Facial Recognition (FR) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
All footage is monitored in real time at the Command, Control, and Communication Centre (C4) at Central Police Office.
According to Shah, Phase-I covers the high-security red zone and airport corridor, while Phase-II will soon expand to Districts South, East, and Malir, with thousands more cameras and Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) cameras for e-Challan enforcement.
The S4 Project (Smart/Safe Surveillance, Security, and Strategic Support) will be integrated with the Safe City platform to further enhance police operations. The automation of police station systems will digitise processes such as FIRs and case files to boost transparency and public efficiency.
The initial riverine Katcha area operation led to the surrender of 71 dacoits, marking significant progress against organised crime in remote regions, said Mr Shah.
The force is actively fighting narcotics from January 1 to December 20 to reduce drug-related crime.
For personnel welfare, measures include Shaheed Packages for fallen officers, health cards, and scholarships for their families. “This comprehensive approach demonstrates Sindh’s dedication to strengthening public safety through infrastructural, technological, and welfare reforms,” the Chief Minister said.