Lahore: Lahore has achieved a significant milestone in global safety rankings, securing 37th position in the 2025 Crime and Safety Index published by Numbeo, a global database for quality of life data. The city’s performance surpassed several influential international capitals, including Mexico City, Washington DC, New Delhi, London, Paris, and New York.
This improvement places Lahore among the safest major cities globally, reflecting a sharp transformation in urban governance and security. The city’s Crime Index stood at 37, while its Safety Index scored 63, outperforming global metropolises often considered safer or more developed. For context, cities like Mexico City recorded a Crime Index of 67.5, while Paris and London scored 58.0 and 55.1, respectively.
The achievement is largely attributed to Lahore’s strategic shift in law enforcement and urban safety management. From April 2023 to April 2024, the city witnessed a dramatic drop in reported crimes—from 67,585 to 34,091 cases, a nearly 50% reduction. Notable improvements were seen in robbery, homicide, and vehicle theft, with street robberies declining by 55% and motorcycle thefts dropping by 33%.
The success of Lahore’s crime reduction efforts can be credited to a data-driven approach to policing. Real-time analytics were used to identify crime hotspots, allowing for the targeted allocation of resources. Additionally, accountability measures within the police force were strengthened, with over 400 officers facing disciplinary action for misconduct, including four Station House Officers who were imprisoned. Merit-based promotions have also helped elevate younger officers to key positions.
The city’s new safety ranking signals a shift in the global perception of South Asian cities. Once viewed primarily through the lens of overcrowding and law enforcement challenges, Lahore has now become a model for urban safety and governance. The transformation has been supported by strong political will and a commitment to improving policing standards, ensuring that law enforcement operations remain both effective and non-political.
Lahore’s success story also includes substantial improvements in public engagement, with visible results in terms of residents’ confidence. Citizens now report feeling safer in their homes and communities, a sentiment that has been reflected in the city’s rising international profile for tourism, investment, and overall quality of life.
Faisal Kamran, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations, emphasized that this achievement is just the beginning. “Our goal is to make Lahore the safest city in the world,” Kamran said, outlining a vision for sustained reform and improvement.
Lahore’s performance in the Numbeo 2025 Crime and Safety Index highlights the city’s growing alignment with global standards for urban safety and governance. As other cities struggle with rising crime, Lahore’s progress serves as an inspiring model for urban resilience and effective governance.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
