KARACHI: In a shocking breach of security, a major theft has struck Karachi’s multi-billion-rupee Safe City project, with distribution boxes installed near Bilawal House reportedly stolen — raising serious concerns about the safety of the city’s surveillance network.
According to Director General Safe Cities Authority Asif Ijaz Sheikh, the stolen boxes were connected to surveillance cameras near Bilawal House Chowrangi. “Following the theft, the cameras were switched off and removed from the poles to prevent further loss,” Sheikh said. He confirmed that the incident occurred during Phase 1 of the project, which aimed to install 1,300 cameras across Karachi by November 30.
The theft has taken place even before the first phase could be completed, compromising the city’s new e-challan and monitoring systems. The Karachi Safe City project, valued at over Rs3 billion, was launched last year by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, who had pledged to make the city one of the safest in Pakistan.
“This theft from the Safe City project is a deeply worrying development,” DG Sheikh remarked, adding that local police had been tasked with securing the equipment. Meetings with zonal DIGs were also held to strengthen security arrangements.
Deputy Inspector General South Asad Raza said the stolen cameras and related gear lacked alarm or security systems, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact time of the theft. Eyewitnesses reportedly saw unidentified individuals in a vehicle tampering with the boxes before disappearing.
Authorities are now analyzing CCTV footage from surrounding areas to trace the culprits. The Safe City administration reported the theft to police on November 6, confirming that the cameras were inactive at the time. “Investigations into the incident are ongoing,” DIG Raza said.
