Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar on Friday inaugurated the first modern Command and Control Room established by Community Policing Karachi (CPK) at the office of the SSP of the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell (AVLC), marking a significant step forward in promoting community policing in Karachi.
Addressing the ceremony, Lanjar appreciated the services of CPK and stated that the Sindh government is taking serious measures to promote community policing. He emphasized that engagement with the community not only helps reduce crime but also contributes to societal development.
He announced that a meeting will be arranged between CPK officials and Safe City Project authorities to address existing issues promptly. He further stated that the Sindh government will bear the expenses for the repair of CPK cameras as per recommendations. He also announced that Murad Soni would be recommended for a government-level medal in recognition of his services.
Lanjar directed authorities to intensify the crackdown against illegal weapons, unauthorized uniforms, and tinted glass, stating that these are among the root causes of crime and must be eliminated. He assured citizens that the government and police are utilizing all available resources to make the city safer, adding that the AVLC is being upgraded along modern lines to effectively curb vehicle theft and snatching incidents. He further stated that this initiative of Community Policing Karachi will prove to be a significant milestone in urban security through public-private partnership.
Earlier, during the briefing, the home minister was informed that the facility has been established under a public-private partnership model, serving as an effective example of collaboration between citizens and law enforcement.
The system is equipped with advanced high-tech ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. Through this technology, vehicles involved in criminal activities can be identified within just 30 seconds, significantly improving crime prevention, monitoring of suspicious vehicles, and rapid response.
According to the briefing, the system will play a vital role in promoting smart policing in Karachi, eliminating criminal elements, and ensuring the safety of citizens. This initiative will enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies and help make the city more secure through the use of modern technology.
Sindh IGP Javed Aalam Odho addressed the ceremony and stated that community policing is an effective model for reducing crime. He added that in the past, SHOs were familiar with the people of their areas, but in today’s era, it is essential to integrate technology with community partnership.
He further stated that a target has been set to install cameras in 40 police stations across the city, which is expected to significantly reduce crime rates. He claimed that the use of modern cameras has already improved crime detection by up to 60 percent.
He added that integrating community cameras with the Safe City Project is essential; otherwise, the full benefits cannot be achieved. In this regard, consultations have been held with the home secretary, and a proposal is under consideration to allocate a special grant for the repair and maintenance of cameras.
Speaking at the event, CPK chief Murad Soni said that efforts should be made for the betterment of the country and city, and it was with this spirit that CPK was established.
He stated that CPK was founded four years ago and now operates 18 centers across the city, playing a significant role in promoting community policing.
Murad Soni added that work is ongoing to make Karachi clean, safe, and green, and the community policing system will be expanded across the province. He emphasized that in the modern era, coordination between the police and the public is essential, and CPK is bridging this gap.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a renewed commitment was made to transform Karachi into a safe, peaceful, and exemplary city through mutual cooperation between the community and the police.
