Timely completion of Safe City Project crucial for Karachi: KATI
KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Muhammad Ikram Rajput has said that the timely completion of the Safe City Project is crucial for a vast and densely populated industrial hub like Karachi. Despite the challenges faced by the world’s seventh-largest city, he noted that the use of advanced technology and surveillance cameras has significantly helped curb crime, resulting in an overall improvement in the law-and-order situation.
He stated this while leading a KATI delegation during a meeting with Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi, Javed Alam Odho. Leaders of the United Business Group (UBG), including Khalid Tawab, Hanif Gohar, Mazhar Nasir, former KATI President Sheikh Umer Rehan, Israr Ahmed, and other industrialists were also present.
Rajput highlighted the success of the Neighbourhood Care Security Project, noting that crime rates in several sectors of Korangi have effectively dropped to zero. He urged the AIG to consider reducing fines associated with traffic challans in Karachi, as rising inflation has made it difficult for low-income motorcyclists and salaried individuals to pay heavy penalties. He emphasized the need for government relief for the middle-class.
Welcoming the delegation, AIG Javed Alam Odho discussed the city’s security landscape, industrial zone protection, and avenues for strengthened collaboration. He said that the hosting of major events in Karachi such as the National Games, expo exhibitions, cultural festivals, and international business activities signals improved security, growing economic confidence, and a positive outlook for the national economy.
Odho reaffirmed that the security of industrial areas remains a top police priority. He added that through effective public–private partnerships, law enforcement aims to enhance crime control using modern tools, smart surveillance, and integrated strategies.
Various police mobile applications, he said, are designed to combat street crime by improving identity verification and real-time monitoring.
He noted that Karachi pioneered community policing in Pakistan and that multiple joint projects under public–private partnerships are performing successfully. “We want to further strengthen community policing,” he added.
Business leaders including Khalid Tawab, Hanif Gohar, Sheikh Umer Rehan, and Mazhar Nasir also addressed the meeting, presenting recommendations regarding law and order and appreciating the police’s efforts.
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