Project Overview
The project’s first phase focuses on critical areas known for their strategic importance and high security. The Red Zone, which includes numerous governmental and diplomatic buildings, alongside the bustling Sharea Faisal and the airport corridor, will now be equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance technology. This includes 1,300 facial recognition cameras and 23 smart vehicles dedicated to patrolling and monitoring these areas.
Technological Advancements and Infrastructure
During a recent meeting at the Karachi Police Office, presided over by the Project Director General Asif Ejaz Shaikh, key details were shared with stakeholders, including NRTC Brigadier Gul Hassan and Brigadier Shahid Manzoor. They discussed the substantial advancements in the project infrastructure. The centerpiece is the command-and-control building situated adjacent to the KPO, which will serve as the nerve center for the project.
The surveillance cameras installed are not only capable of night vision but are also equipped with facial recognition technology and can record vehicle number plates with high accuracy. This enhancement in camera technology, with superior megapixel quality, ensures that recordings of criminal activities are clear and usable for law enforcement purposes.
Cost and Timeline
The completion of Phase I of the Safe City Project is projected at a cost of Rs6.6 billion and spans a development period of two-and-a-half years. This phase is crucial as it sets the operational foundation for the subsequent rollout of the project across other districts in Sindh.
Crime Monitoring and Data Integration
A significant feature of the Safe City Project is the integration of a comprehensive data bank that includes photographs of jail inmates. This database will be instrumental in monitoring and curbing the movement of known criminals across the city. The control room will enable continuous surveillance from the command center, allowing for real-time crime monitoring and response.
Moreover, the project plans to extend its reach by installing CCTV cameras at over 40 strategic entry and exit points throughout Sindh. This expansion will not only cover Karachi but also include other districts, broadening the scope of surveillance and increasing the overall safety of the province.
Future Prospects
The meeting also highlighted that the expansion of CCTV coverage would significantly aid in crime control. By providing law enforcement agencies with detailed visual data and a robust tracking system, the Safe City Project promises to enhance public security substantially. The eventual goal is to replicate this model in other districts, creating a comprehensive network of surveillance that safeguards all of Sindh.
Conclusion
As the Sindh Safe City Project’s first phase nears completion, its impact on public safety and crime prevention is poised to be significant. With cutting-edge technology at its backbone, this project not only aims to modernize policing efforts but also to create a safer urban environment for the citizens of Karachi and eventually, the entire province.