Karachi’s Safe City surveillance network suffered a major setback after thieves stole a distribution box supporting e-challan and monitoring cameras in the Clifton area. The unexpected security breach forced authorities to shut down several cameras linked to the system, raising concerns about the protection of critical urban infrastructure.
According to details confirmed by Director General Safe City Project Karachi, Asif Ijaz Sheikh, the distribution box was stolen from a square in Clifton. The incident immediately disrupted the feed from multiple cameras, prompting officials to remove and secure the devices mounted on poles to prevent further loss.
The stolen equipment, valued in millions of rupees, was a key component connecting the Safe City cameras to the central monitoring network. Its disappearance not only disrupted real-time surveillance but also affected the e-challan system that relies on automated detection of traffic violations.
DG Asif Ijaz Sheikh said the theft has exposed vulnerabilities within the city’s security installations. He noted that district police had already been directed to ensure strict protection of Safe City equipment, and several meetings were held with zonal DIGs to reinforce safety protocols.
He described the incident as a deeply concerning development, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger safeguards and more efficient monitoring of high-value surveillance assets across Karachi.
Authorities are now reviewing existing security measures and exploring ways to prevent similar incidents, as the Safe City Project remains central to Karachi’s digital policing and traffic enforcement efforts.
