Lahore Ranks Among World’s Safest Cities in Numbeo’s 2025 Index

Lahore has emerged as a frontrunner in public safety, according to Numbeo’s 2025 Crime and Safety Index. The city has surpassed 249 international urban centers, securing its place among the safest large cities worldwide.

The Punjab provincial capital currently holds the 37th position globally for low crime rates and ranks 63rd among the world’s safest cities. This accomplishment highlights Lahore’s urban transformation and has garnered global recognition.

Lahore has overtaken major global capitals, including Mexico City, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Washington, D.C., New Delhi, Paris, Tehran, London, Los Angeles, Jakarta, New York, Rome, Istanbul, and Berlin. This achievement signifies the city’s progress and its establishment of a new benchmark for urban security in the region.

Numbeo, the world’s largest independent, crowdsourced database for quality of life data, gathers real-time information directly from citizens in over 250 locations globally. Its Crime and Safety Index is a vital resource used by governments, corporations, researchers, and international organizations to assess the livability of urban areas.

In the 2025 edition, Lahore’s Crime Index stands at 37, while its Safety Index is 63, outperforming many cities typically considered safer or more developed. For comparison, Mexico City has a Crime Index of 67.5, while Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Washington, D.C., and New Delhi have indexes of 62.3, 59.1, 58.0, and 55.1, respectively. Perceived safety is also lower in Western capitals such as Rome (48.8), Berlin (44.6), and New York (50.7).

These rankings represent a significant shift in the governance, experience, and perception of the city, extending beyond mere statistical data. Lahore has undergone a strategic transition marked by advanced policing methods, real-time surveillance, increased community involvement, and strong administrative focus. The city was previously viewed through the lens of urban density and law enforcement limitations.

Supporting data reveals a substantial improvement: from April 2023 to April 2024, Lahore reported 67,585 crimes. In the following year, this number decreased significantly to 34,091, indicating an overall crime reduction of nearly 50%. Category-specific improvements were even more notable, 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%.

This decline is the result of a well-defined strategy. Law enforcement agencies adopted a data-centric approach, identifying crime hotspots through real-time analytics and allocating resources accordingly. Human and logistical support was directed to the city’s most vulnerable areas. Accountability within the police force was reinforced through disciplinary actions, with over 400 officers facing consequences for misconduct, including the imprisonment of four station house officers. Promotions based on merit elevated young, proactive officers to key leadership roles, and strong political will ensured that law enforcement operations remained impartial and merit-based. A city-wide crackdown targeted absconders, repeat offenders, and most-wanted criminals, reinforcing a visible and assertive response to crime.

Lahore’s improved safety has prompted a reassessment of global perceptions of South Asian cities. The city now serves as a compelling example, demonstrating that a developing country metropolis can implement effective reforms and improve its position in global urban safety rankings. This change extends beyond administrative or infrastructural improvements, reflecting a growing sense of security among residents in their homes, on the streets, and within their communities.

While crime statistics can be impacted by various factors, Numbeo’s use of citizen-submitted data adds considerable credibility. The enhanced perception of safety, as reported by thousands of residents, underscores the significant impact of these reforms.

The city’s improved standing enhances its attractiveness for international tourism, strengthens investor confidence, and improves the overall quality of life for its inhabitants. Lahore’s upward trajectory in global rankings is not only symbolic but also practical, quantifiable, and transformative.

DIG Operations Faisal Kamran stated that their journey is ongoing, with the ultimate goal of making Lahore the safest city globally. This declaration underscores a sustained dedication to continuous improvement and a long-term vision extending beyond the current milestone.

Lahore’s recognition in the Numbeo 2025 Crime and Safety Index confirms both its current progress and its future potential. It reflects an increasing 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 viable model for urban resilience in the 21st century.