According to Numbeo’s 2025 Crime and Safety Index, Lahore has surged to the forefront of global public safety, outperforming 249 international urban centers and securing its position among the safest major cities worldwide.
The provincial capital of Punjab, currently ranked 37th globally for low crime and 63rd in the list of the world’s safest cities, stands as a symbol of urban transformation in a development that has garnered international attention, The News reported.
Lahore has surpassed numerous powerful global capitals, including Mexico City, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Washington, DC, New Delhi, Paris, Tehran, London, Los Angeles, Jakarta, New York, Rome, Istanbul, and Berlin, indicating that the city is not only catching up but also setting a new benchmark for urban security in the region.
Numbeo, the world’s largest independent, crowdsourced global database for quality of life data, gathers detailed, up-to-date information directly from citizens in over 250 locations worldwide. Its Crime and Safety Index, considered a crucial global reference, is utilized by governments, corporations, researchers, and international organizations to assess the livability of urban areas.
In the 2025 edition, Lahore outperformed many cities typically perceived as safer or more developed, with a Crime Index of 37 and a Safety Index of 63. In comparison, Mexico City’s Crime Index was 67.5, while those of Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Washington, DC, and New Delhi were 62.3, 59.1, 58.0, and 55.1, respectively. Perceived safety was even lower in Western capitals like Rome (48.8), Berlin (44.6), and New York (50.7).
These rankings signify a profound shift in how the city is governed, experienced, and perceived, extending beyond mere statistical trends. Lahore has undergone a strategic transition characterized by modern policing techniques, real-time monitoring, enhanced community engagement, and unwavering administrative focus. Previously, the metropolis was often viewed through the lens of urban congestion and law enforcement limitations.
This evolution is supported by compelling data: from April 2023 to April 2024, Lahore recorded 67,585 reported crimes. In the subsequent year, this figure plummeted to 34,091—an overall crime reduction of nearly 50%. Category-specific improvements were even more dramatic, with robbery and homicide decreasing by 64%, street robbery by 55%, mobile phone snatching by 42%, motorcycle and car theft each by 33%, and other forms of vehicle theft by 39%.
Underlying this decline is a clear, deliberate strategy. Law enforcement adopted a data-driven approach, identifying crime hot spots through real-time analytics and allocating resources accordingly. Human and logistical reinforcements were deployed to the city’s most vulnerable areas. Accountability within the police force was enforced through disciplinary measures—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.
Lahore’s transformation in safety has prompted a reassessment of global perceptions surrounding South Asian cities. Where security concerns once dominated the narrative, Lahore now presents a compelling counter-narrative—demonstrating that a metropolis in a developing country can implement effective reforms and ascend the ranks of global urban safety. This shift is not merely administrative or infrastructural; it reflects a growing confidence among citizens who increasingly feel secure in their homes, on the streets, and within their communities.
While crime statistics can be influenced by various factors, Numbeo’s reliance on citizen-submitted data adds a significant layer of credibility. The improved perception of safety, as expressed by thousands of residents, is a testament to the profound impact of these reforms.
The city’s new standing enhances its appeal for international tourism, boosts investor confidence, and improves the overall quality of life for its residents. Lahore’s upward trajectory in global rankings is not just symbolic—it is practical, measurable, and transformative.
Speaking on this achievement, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran told Daily Jang that their journey is far from over. He stated 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 well beyond this year’s milestone.
Lahore’s recognition in the Numbeo 2025 Crime and Safety Index not only affirms its present progress but also highlights its future potential. It signifies a growing alignment with global standards of governance, citizen trust, and institutional accountability. As other global cities grapple with rising crime and instability, Lahore’s success offers both inspiration and a model for urban resilience in the 21st century.
