Lahore surpasses 249 cities in 2025 global safety ranking

LAHORE: The provincial capital of the Punjab has surged ahead in the global race for public safety, earning a place among the world’s safest major cities and outperforming 249 international urban centers in the 2025 Crime and Safety Index published by Numbeo.

In a development that has captured global attention, the city now stands as a symbol of urban transformation, ranked 37th globally in terms of low crime and 63rd in the list of the world’s safest cities.

Among the cities Lahore surpassed are some of the most influential capitals in the world — Mexico City, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Washington DC, New Delhi, Paris, Tehran, London, Los Angeles, Jakarta, New York, Rome, Istanbul, and Berlin — demonstrating that the city is not only catching up but setting a new regional benchmark for urban security.

Numbeo, the world’s largest independent, crowd-sourced global database for quality of life data, compiles comprehensive, real-time information directly from residents in over 250 cities worldwide. Its Crime and Safety Index is regarded as a critical global reference, used by governments, businesses, researchers, and international institutions to gauge urban livability. In the 2025 edition, Lahore recorded a Crime Index of 37 and a Safety Index of 63, significantly outperforming many cities traditionally seen as safer or more developed. For comparison, Mexico City posted a Crime Index of 67.5, Dhaka 62.3, Kuala Lumpur 60.5, Washington DC 60.4, New Delhi 59.1, Paris 58.0, and London 55.1. Even Western capitals such as New York (50.7), Berlin (44.6), and Rome (48.8) were ranked lower in perceived safety.

These rankings reflect more than statistical trends —they signal a profound shift in how the city is being governed, experienced, and perceived. Once viewed through the lens of urban overcrowding and law enforcement limitations, Lahore has undergone a strategic transformation marked by modern policing techniques, real-time surveillance, enhanced community engagement, and unwavering administrative focus. This evolution is substantiated by hard data: from April 2023 to April 2024, Lahore recorded 67,585 reported crimes. In the following year, that number fell dramatically to 34,091—representing an overall crime reduction of nearly 50 percent. Category-specific improvements were even more striking. Robbery and homicide decreased by 64 percent, street robbery by 55 percent, mobile phone snatching by 42 percent, motorcycle and car theft each by 33 percent, and other forms of vehicle theft by 39 percent.

Behind this decline lies a clear, deliberate strategy. Law enforcement adopted a data-driven approach, identifying crime hot spots through real-time analytics and directing resources accordingly. Human and logistical reinforcements were allocated to the city’s most vulnerable zones. Accountability within the police force was enforced through disciplinary action—over 400 officers faced consequences for misconduct, including the imprisonment of four Station House Officers. Merit-based promotions elevated young, dynamic officers to critical leadership roles, while strong political will ensured that law enforcement operations remained non-political and merit-driven. A city-wide crackdown targeted absconders, repeat offenders, and most-wanted criminals, reinforcing a visible and assertive response to crime.

The transformation of Lahore’s safety landscape has forced a reevaluation of global perceptions surrounding South Asian cities. Where once security concerns dominated the narrative, Lahore now offers a compelling counterexample—showing that a metropolis in a developing country can implement effective reforms and climb the ranks of global urban safety. This shift is not merely administrative or infrastructural; it reflects an emerging confidence among citizens who increasingly feel secure in their homes, on the streets, and in their communities.

While crime statistics can be influenced by a wide range of factors, Numbeo’s reliance on citizen-submitted data adds an important layer of credibility. The improved perception of safety, as expressed by thousands of residents, is a testament to how deeply these reforms have resonated. The city’s new standing enhances its profile for international tourism, boosts investor confidence, and raises the overall quality of life for its population. Lahore’s rising trajectory in global rankings is not just symbolic—it is practical, measurable, and transformational.

Speaking on this achievement, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran told Daily Jang that our journey is far from over. He said that their future goal is clear to make Lahore the safest city in the world. His statement reflects a sustained commitment to ongoing reform and a vision that extends far beyond this year’s milestone.

Lahore’s recognition in the Numbeo 2025 Crime and Safety Index affirms not only its present progress but its future potential. It signifies a growing alignment with global standards of governance, citizen trust, and institutional accountability. As other global cities struggle with rising crime and instability, Lahore’s success offers both inspiration and a model for urban resilience in the 21st century.