By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Lahore has strengthened its position among the world’s safest major cities after recording further improvements in the 2026 Numbeo Crime and Safety Index, reflecting a continued decline in crime levels and improved public security compared to several leading metropolitan centres across the globe.
The latest global rankings placed Lahore ahead of a number of internationally recognised cities in terms of public safety. The city posted one of the lowest crime index scores among major urban centres included in the report, highlighting steady progress in law enforcement and crime prevention efforts over the past year.
According to the 2026 Numbeo Crime and Safety Index, Lahore’s crime index declined from 36.8 in mid-2025 to 36.2 this year, while its safety index improved from 63.2 to 63.8. The figures indicate a positive trend in the city’s overall security environment and public confidence.
The report compared crime perceptions and safety levels in major cities worldwide. Lahore ranked ahead of several global cities, including Karachi, New Delhi, Paris, London, Washington, New York and Mexico City, reflecting comparatively better public safety indicators.
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Police officials welcomed the latest ranking, describing it as recognition of consistent efforts to improve law and order across the provincial capital. They said the results reflected effective policing, improved surveillance and timely responses to criminal activity.
DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran said the decline in the crime index demonstrated the success of Lahore Police’s comprehensive security strategy. He said the force had focused on preventive policing, intelligence-based operations and enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies.
According to police officials, technology has played a significant role in improving public safety. The expanded use of surveillance cameras, digital monitoring systems and modern investigation techniques has strengthened the ability of law enforcement agencies to detect and prevent crime more efficiently.
Authorities also credited community policing initiatives for improving trust between citizens and police. Officials said closer engagement with neighbourhood committees, traders and community representatives has helped identify security concerns at an early stage and improve responses to public complaints.
The Lahore Police have continued operations against organised crime, street criminals and drug trafficking networks throughout the year. Officials believe these targeted actions have contributed to the gradual reduction in criminal incidents across various parts of the city.
Security arrangements during religious gatherings, public events and national celebrations were also strengthened through coordinated deployment of police personnel and monitoring systems, helping maintain order during periods of increased public activity.
Officials said emergency response services have also improved, allowing police teams to reach incident sites more quickly. Greater coordination with Rescue 1122 and other emergency agencies has further strengthened public safety measures across Lahore.
Experts note that crime and safety indexes are based largely on public perceptions gathered through surveys, alongside reported trends relating to security, theft, violent crime and confidence in law enforcement. Such rankings provide an indication of how residents and visitors perceive safety within a city.
Urban planning experts say improvements in street lighting, traffic management, commercial activity and public infrastructure also contribute to stronger perceptions of safety alongside effective policing.
Business leaders welcomed Lahore’s improved ranking, saying a safer urban environment encourages domestic and foreign investment, supports commercial growth and boosts public confidence. They said improved security also benefits tourism, hospitality and educational institutions operating in the city.
Residents acknowledged that while isolated criminal incidents still occur, they have noticed stronger police visibility, particularly in commercial centres, markets and residential neighbourhoods.
Analysts believe maintaining the positive trend will require continued investment in policing technology, crime prevention programmes, judicial reforms and community engagement. They also stressed the importance of addressing emerging challenges such as cybercrime, financial fraud and organised criminal networks.
Punjab authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening law enforcement capacity and ensuring that improvements in public safety continue across Lahore and other districts of the province. Officials said further initiatives aimed at enhancing surveillance, expanding emergency response systems and improving public services would help sustain the city’s progress in future international safety assessments.
The latest ranking is being viewed by officials as an encouraging indicator of Lahore’s evolving security environment, while authorities maintain that efforts to further reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents will remain a priority.
