KARACHI: Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi Azad Khan has said that ensuring the protection of industrial areas remains one of the top priorities of Sindh Police, emphasizing that safeguarding industrial zones is directly linked to protecting Pakistan’s economy.
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He stated that Karachi Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order, combating street crime, and ensuring the safety of citizens and the business community across the city.
The remarks were made during a luncheon hosted in his honour by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), attended by leading industrialists, senior police officials, and business leaders.
Among those present at the event were KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, Chairman Standing Committee on Law and Order Danish Khan, CEO and Secretary General Saleem-uz-Zaman, former presidents Junaid Naqi, Farhan-ur-Rehman, Sheikh Fazal-e-Jalil, Johar Qandhari, Ehtesham Uddin, SSP Korangi Fida Hussain Janori, SSP Malir, SSP Investigation Korangi, and other senior officers.
Addressing the gathering, AIG Azad Khan described street crime as Karachi’s biggest challenge but made it clear that anti-social and criminal elements would not be allowed to regain control in the city.
He noted that Korangi Industrial Area is among Karachi’s most important economic and industrial zones, making its security a major operational focus for Karachi Police. He added that effective measures were continuously being implemented to maintain peace in industrial districts, reduce street crime, and strengthen the confidence of the business community.
The Additional IG highlighted that Karachi Police is increasingly relying on modern policing methods, including digital surveillance systems, the Safe City project, e-ticketing, improved emergency response mechanisms, mobile patrolling, and enhanced police deployment in industrial areas.
Recalling his earlier tenure in Karachi, Azad Khan said he fully understood the significance of securing Korangi’s industrial district. He revealed that one of his first initiatives after assuming office was the formation of a dedicated anti-crime task force, which has already delivered encouraging and positive results.
He further stated that street crime had been brought under considerable control during the current year, while strict action against criminal groups was continuing without compromise. He added that law enforcement agencies were also conducting daily operations against narcotics networks across the city.
“Our objective is to build a modern, people-friendly and efficient police force through reforms, technology-driven policing, community engagement, and rapid response systems,” Azad Khan said.
Speaking on the occasion, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput appreciated the direction in which Karachi Police was moving and acknowledged the improved performance of police in Korangi district.
However, he pointed out that shortages of police personnel in Korangi continued to create operational challenges and stressed the urgent need for additional manpower and new police vehicles, noting that many existing police mobiles were no longer in satisfactory condition.
Rajput praised the introduction of the e-ticketing system and called it an important step toward transparency and modernization in traffic management.
He said the law and order situation in industrial areas had improved significantly due to the coordinated efforts of police and other law enforcement agencies. According to him, the use of modern surveillance technology, smart monitoring systems, Safe City initiatives, and CCTV cameras had played a vital role in crime prevention.
“For a mega industrial city like Karachi, immediate completion of the Safe City project on a priority basis is essential to provide a secure environment for industrialists and citizens through modern technology,” Rajput emphasized.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said the formation of the task force by Azad Khan immediately after assuming charge had produced visible improvements in crime control efforts. He expressed hope that including SP Investigation East and SP Investigation Malir in the task force would further strengthen its operational effectiveness.
He also highlighted the urgent requirement for greater logistical support in Korangi Industrial Area, especially additional police mobiles and manpower.
Chhaya remarked that community policing initiatives first gained prominence in Karachi and several successful public-private partnership policing models were still functioning effectively in the city.
“Community policing is the foundation of sustainable peace because cooperation and trust between citizens and police are essential for eliminating crime,” he said.
Chairman Standing Committee on Law and Order Danish Khan called for equal implementation of traffic and law enforcement regulations on all vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and heavy transport vehicles without discrimination.
He further stressed the need for stronger surveillance systems to combat street crime and urged authorities to remove roadside dhabas, illegal hotels, and encroachments, which he claimed had become hubs for criminal activity.
Photo Caption:
KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput and Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya presenting a commemorative shield to Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan during a luncheon hosted by KATI. Danish Khan, Zahid Hameed, Syed Talha Ali, and DIG East Dr. Farrukh are also present on the occasion.
