Gwadar Safe City Project Finally Approved After 9 Years

Delayed for nearly a decade, Gwadar’s surveillance plan is now official

Gwadar Safe City Project Finally Approved After 9 Years


After a prolonged wait of nine years, the revised Gwadar Safe City Project has been officially approved, with an updated valuation of Rs4.96 billion (Rs4,966.905 million). Funded equally by the federal and Balochistan provincial governments under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the project marks a crucial step in upgrading Gwadar's security infrastructure.

The initiative is set to deploy an advanced surveillance system with strategically positioned CCTV cameras to monitor key urban and high-risk zones. These smart surveillance tools aim to combat criminal activities, including theft, terrorism, and unauthorized movements, while also ensuring the safety of citizens and international personnel operating in the region-particularly in light of Gwadar's significance in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Government officials highlighted that the revised PC-1 document incorporates extensive stakeholder feedback. The revised blueprint reflects pragmatic changes tailored to regional dynamics, enhancing the overall efficiency and responsiveness of law enforcement.

Gwadar now joins the league of cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta that have already launched or initiated similar Safe City Projects. Each of these urban areas has invested in high-tech surveillance infrastructure aimed at data-driven policing, rapid emergency response, and integrated command-and-control centers.

For instance, the Islamabad project pioneered this concept in 2016, followed by Lahore's extensive 8,000-camera setup. Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta are also in various phases of implementation. These projects collectively work toward building a nationwide security network that supports coordinated efforts between federal and provincial law enforcement agencies.

Gwadar's induction into this security ecosystem comes at a pivotal moment. As the city develops into a major port and trade hub, the Safe City Project not only boosts public safety but also enhances investor confidence and geopolitical stability in the region.