Lahore
LAHORE: According to the 2025 Crime and Safety Index by Numbeo, Lahore has emerged as one of the safest large cities in the world, surpassing 249 international urban centres in public safety rankings.
The provincial capital of Punjab currently holds the 37th position globally for low crime and is ranked 63rd on the list of the world’s safest cities. This significant achievement has drawn attention internationally and marks a major shift in how Lahore is perceived on the global stage.
Numbeo, the world’s largest crowdsourced database for quality of life data, collects current information directly from residents across more than 250 cities worldwide. Its Crime and Safety Index is a trusted tool for evaluating urban livability, used by governments, companies, researchers, and global organisations.
Lahore’s performance, with a Crime Index of 37 and a Safety Index of 63, highlights its progress in surpassing cities commonly regarded as safer or more developed. For comparison, Mexico City recorded a Crime Index of 67.5, Dhaka 62.3, Kuala Lumpur 59.1, Washington, DC 58.0, and New Delhi 55.1. Even Western capitals like Rome, Berlin, and New York trailed Lahore in safety rankings.
These improvements reflect more than a statistical rise; they indicate a structural transformation in how the city is managed and experienced. Between April 2023 and April 2024, Lahore documented 67,585 crimes. In the subsequent year, this number dropped significantly to 34,091, indicating a nearly 50 percent reduction.
Specific crime categories saw even sharper declines: robbery and homicide fell by 64 percent, street robbery by 55 percent, mobile phone snatching by 42 percent, and vehicle theft by around 33 to 39 percent.
This decline in crime is the result of a targeted, data-driven policing strategy. Authorities used real-time analytics to identify high-risk areas and deploy resources effectively. Law enforcement accountability was prioritized, with over 400 officers facing disciplinary action and four station house officers imprisoned.
Promotions based on merit allowed younger officers to take on leadership roles, while political neutrality ensured that policing efforts remained focused and effective. Intensive operations were also carried out against absconders, repeat offenders, and high-profile criminals.
The safety transformation has altered perceptions of South Asian cities. Lahore now serves as an example of how a city in a developing country can implement reforms and improve security. The shift is not limited to administrative improvements but is evident in the everyday experiences of residents who now report feeling safer in public and private spaces.
Numbeo’s citizen-driven data gives credibility to this improvement, as the change is not only recorded in official statistics but echoed in public sentiment. Lahore’s enhanced safety is expected to attract more tourists, foster investor confidence, and improve residents’ quality of life.
Speaking on this progress, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran emphasized that the goal remains to make Lahore the safest city in the world, signaling a continued commitment to reform and development.
This recognition affirms the city’s upward trajectory and potential to meet international standards of governance and public trust, offering a model for other urban centres striving for resilience and safety.
