Lahore, the cultural and economic hub of Pakistan, has made headlines by ranking among the safest cities in the world according to the 2025 Crime and Safety Index by Numbeo. The city secured 37th place on the Global Crime Index and ranked 63rd in overall safety among 249 major cities worldwide, surpassing several prominent international cities such as New York, London, and Paris.
This new ranking marks a historic achievement for Lahore, highlighting the effectiveness of recent law enforcement reforms and public safety initiatives. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors behind Lahore’s improved safety status, detailed crime statistics, and ongoing urban development projects that contribute to the city’s rising profile on the global safety map.
Overview of Lahore’s Crime Reduction and Safety Ranking
Between April 2023 and April 2025, Lahore saw a significant decline in criminal activity, with total reported crimes falling by approximately 50%. Official data indicates that reported cases dropped from 67,585 to 34,091 during this period. This reduction reflects the results of sustained efforts by local authorities to improve policing methods, implement accountability systems, and engage with the community to address safety concerns.
Crime Category Breakdown
Detailed statistics show notable improvements across various crime categories:
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Robberies and murders: Decreased by 64%
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General robberies: Down by 55%
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Motorcycle theft: Reduced by 33%
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Street snatching: Fell by 42%
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Car theft: Declined by 33%
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Other vehicle thefts: Lowered by 39%
The substantial decline in violent crimes such as murder and robbery is particularly significant, as it directly impacts residents’ sense of security and quality of life.
Factors Behind Lahore’s Crime Reduction
1. Data-Driven Policing
Lahore’s police force has adopted modern, data-driven approaches to crime prevention. By analyzing crime patterns and deploying resources strategically, the police have been able to respond more effectively to incidents and proactively prevent crime in high-risk areas. This approach includes increased surveillance, targeted patrols, and community policing efforts to build trust between law enforcement and citizens.
2. Strengthening Police Accountability
A key component of Lahore’s improved safety ranking is the strict disciplinary action taken against police personnel involved in misconduct. More than 400 police officers were disciplined for breaches of conduct, and four Station House Officers (SHOs) were arrested and imprisoned on charges of corruption and abuse of power.
These measures have fostered greater accountability within the police department, discouraging corruption and improving service delivery to the public.
3. Enhanced Community Engagement
Lahore’s law enforcement agencies have also prioritized community engagement through awareness programs and collaboration with local groups. These initiatives help residents report crimes more easily and participate actively in neighborhood safety efforts.
Lahore’s Safety Ranking Compared to Global Cities
Numbeo’s 2025 Crime and Safety Index ranks Lahore above several key international cities:
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New York City
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London
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Paris
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Washington, D.C.
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Berlin
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Istanbul
New York, London, and Paris are often viewed as economic and cultural powerhouses but have struggled with persistent crime challenges in certain areas. Lahore’s rising rank reflects not only improvements in law enforcement but also broader urban governance reforms.
Urban Development and Infrastructure Supporting Public Safety
Lahore’s progress is supported by broader urban management improvements. Recently, the Lahore Parking Company introduced traceable parking tickets to enhance transparency and reduce corruption related to parking enforcement. This system helps ensure proper collection of fees and discourages the use of fake parking slips.
Additionally, infrastructure projects like the forthcoming Pakistan’s first high-speed bullet train connecting Lahore and Rawalpindi will improve regional connectivity and public transportation options. The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. Efficient transport infrastructure can also indirectly enhance safety by reducing traffic congestion and improving emergency response times.
Government and Public Response
The Government of Punjab and Lahore’s local authorities have widely welcomed the positive safety report. Officials emphasize that the results demonstrate the effectiveness of reforms and the importance of continued investment in public safety.
Citizens have also expressed cautious optimism, with many acknowledging improved police responsiveness and safer public spaces. However, authorities stress the need to maintain momentum and address remaining challenges in some urban areas.
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