Use of Technology to Fight Crimes in Lahore and Karachi

Abstract

With rapidly growing urbanization, the cities are now becoming the major business and economic hubs. They house millions of people and industry and are central to the modern way of living. However, this growth also brings significant challenges for city administrators, particularly in ensuring safety and security. As technology advances, governments worldwide are adapting their processes to meet the evolving needs of urban centers. Safety and security are critical to maintaining a peaceful environment essential for business, economic growth, and other societal functions. Police organizations are increasingly turning to modern technologies to combat rising crime in urban areas, and Safe City projects have emerged as one of the most innovative solutions. These initiatives not only focus on crime control but also incorporate traffic management, secure communication, data analytics, and support for civic agencies. This paper explores the effectiveness of the Lahore Safe City project, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement. As the Punjab government plans to expand this initiative to 18 additional cities and Sindh looks to establish a Safe City project in Karachi, the analysis of Lahore's experience offers valuable lessons. By examining the shortfalls that have hindered the full potential of the Lahore project, this paper aims to guide future efforts, ensuring these.