Maryam Nawaz inaugurates Punjab’s Integrated Safe City Network covering 43 cities

LAHORE, Aug 14 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday digitally inaugurated the Punjab Integrated Safe City Network, making Punjab the first province in Pakistan to establish an integrated Safe City network across all 41 districts and two tehsils.

Addressing a ceremony at the Safe City Headquarters, the chief minister said the establishment of Safe Cities in 43 cities would help citizens gain freedom from the fear of crime and criminals.

She inspected screens displaying the Safe City operations of different districts. Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Abdul Karim thanked the chief minister for her continued support to Punjab Police.

The chief minister also heard experiences of Police Communication Officers from different parts of the province. Fazal Muhammad, a young officer from Rojhan and the riverine area, thanked the chief minister in Balochi language, while Khadija Ghaffar, a Police Communication Officer from Bhakkar/Darya Khan, expressed gratitude for providing her an opportunity to achieve her aspirations.

Police Communication Officer Muhammad Ali shared an emotional account of helping reunite missing children with their parents, while Multan-based officer Farhan Ali briefed the gathering about the “Meri Pehchan” identification app. Officers from Kot Radha Kishan and other areas also shared their experiences.

Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) Managing Director Ahsan Younis briefed the chief minister on the Integrated Smart Safe Cities Network, said an effective province-wide surveillance system had been established with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He said the system included intelligent surveillance, Emergency 15, intelligent traffic management, real-time command and control and a predictive policing system.

The Safe City project also incorporates a Virtual Women Police Station, Child Safety Virtual Centre, Virtual Blood Bank, Meesaq, traffic and environment-related initiatives, he added.

Ahsan said 1,500 additional panic buttons would be installed across the province, while every police station would also be equipped with a panic button. Smart screens would be installed at Police Khidmat Markaz, shopping centres and other public places.

He said Emergency 15, digital evidence and real-time command and control systems would further strengthen public safety. AI-enabled cameras would also facilitate facial recognition and detection of weapons.

The MD said the Punjab Safe City Public Safety Model had received international recognition, including the United Nations WSIS Champion Award and the IACP Excellence Award.