Pakistan: Islamabad Ranked Among World’s Safest Capitals in 2025
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
Islamabad has achieved global recognition as one of the safest cities in the world, securing the 93rd spot out of 380 cities in Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index. The ranking highlights the Pakistani capital’s strong performance in public safety and overall quality of life, positioning it ahead of many major cities around the world.
With a safety score of 67.9, Islamabad surpasses several international hubs, including London (270th, 45.8), Paris (303rd, 41.9), and Berlin (187th, 55.3). It also ranks higher than regional peers such as Lahore (130th, 63.1) and Moscow (118th, 64.6), as well as popular destinations like Sydney, Toronto, and Barcelona. This recognition follows previous endorsements, such as the United Nations declaring Islamabad a “family station,” reinforcing its image as a secure place to live and work.
According to the Islamabad Police, overall crime dropped by 20% in 2025 compared to the previous year — a significant improvement reflecting both operational strategy and commitment from law enforcement personnel.
One of the key drivers behind this success has been a focused campaign against criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking and illegal trade. The police launched a widespread crackdown targeting narcotics distributors and liquor sellers, resulting in measurable outcomes. In 2025:
- Street robberies dropped by 19%
- Thefts declined by 12%
- Burglaries fell by a dramatic 74%
- Vehicle and motorcycle thefts decreased by 22%
- Reported murders were reduced by 17%
In total, 600 fewer crimes were reported in the federal capital compared to the previous year, showcasing a notable shift towards enhanced public safety.
Beyond law enforcement, the Islamabad Police have actively engaged in community outreach and preventative efforts. The “Nasha Ab Nahe” (Drugs No More) campaign, aimed at raising awareness among students, brought senior officers into schools and colleges to educate youth on the dangers of substance abuse. This initiative was complemented by targeted operations, which led to multiple arrests and the confiscation of illegal drugs.
Efforts to curb illegal firearms also intensified. Police apprehended individuals involved in the possession of unauthorized weapons, recovered arms and ammunition, and initiated legal proceedings.
In addition to maintaining internal security, the Islamabad Police successfully managed security arrangements for several high-profile events and visits in 2025. These included major sporting events like the Champions Trophy and Pakistan Super League (PSL), as well as the protection of VVIPs, foreign diplomats, and international delegates, all conducted without incident.
Islamabad’s rise in global safety rankings reflects more than just favorable statistics. As the capital continues to grow and evolve, its reputation as a secure and stable city makes it a model for urban safety in the region and beyond.
Reference Link:- https://propakistani.pk/2025/04/30/islamabad-ranked-among-worlds-safest-capitals-in-2025/
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
