Karachi's much-publicized Safe City Project has been exposed as largely non-functional, with a staggering 80% of surveillance cameras currently inoperative across the metropolitan area. This shocking revelation came to light during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday.
Massive Surveillance Failure Exposed
The Safe City Project, designed to enhance security through advanced surveillance technology, has failed to deliver on its core promise. During the crucial meeting, authorities disclosed that only 1,300 out of the installed 10,000 CCTV cameras are currently operational. This represents a catastrophic failure rate that leaves vast areas of Pakistan's largest city without proper monitoring.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed serious concerns about the situation, demanding immediate action to address the technical deficiencies. The project, which was intended to provide comprehensive security coverage through state-of-the-art surveillance technology, has instead become a symbol of administrative neglect and technical incompetence.
Technical Challenges and Maintenance Issues
Multiple technical problems have plagued the surveillance system, rendering most cameras useless. The issues range from connectivity problems and power supply failures to maintenance neglect and equipment malfunctions. Many cameras have been offline for extended periods without proper attention from technical teams.
The situation is particularly alarming given Karachi's status as Pakistan's economic hub and its history of security challenges. The non-functional cameras create significant security gaps that could be exploited by criminal elements, potentially undermining law enforcement efforts across the city.
Immediate Action Demanded
Chief Minister Shah has issued clear directives to relevant authorities to restore all non-functional cameras within the shortest possible time. The meeting emphasized the urgent need to make the surveillance system fully operational to ensure public safety and effective crime prevention.
Authorities have been instructed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the technical requirements and allocate necessary resources for immediate repairs. The Chief Minister stressed that public safety cannot be compromised due to technical failures and administrative delays.
The Safe City Project was envisioned as a cornerstone of modern urban security in Karachi, but its current state raises serious questions about implementation and maintenance capabilities. As the city grapples with this surveillance crisis, residents await concrete actions that will restore the security infrastructure to its intended functionality.
