First suspect caught through facial recognition camera in South Zone

In a landmark development for law enforcement technology, Karachi police have made their first arrest through the newly installed facial recognition camera system in the South Zone, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza, an alert was generated by the ERV SP-0853 Data Corner, identifying a motorcycle rider as a suspected criminal with a prior record. Acting swiftly on the alert, the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) team intercepted the suspect, verified his identity through his CNIC, and confirmed him to be Abdul Azeem, a habitual offender.

The police officer said that multiple criminal cases had been registered against Azeem at different police stations, including charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, Telegraph Act and arms-related offences. The five FIRs in which the suspect was previously arrested were FIR No. 31/22 under Section 23(1)A, FIR No. 30/22 under Sections ATA 353, 324, 186, 34, FIR No. 20/22 under Sections 397/34, FIR No. 93/22 under Section 325, and FIR No. 78/25 under Section 23(1)A. In a sixth case — FIR No. 275/24 registered under the Telegraph Act (Sections 147, 148, 149, 506) — Azeem was declared an absconder.

DIG Asad Raza said the successful identification and arrest demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly implemented Facial Recognition Camera System, part of the modern policing and smart surveillance initiatives being introduced in Karachi.