Punjab safe cities project wins global WSIS 2026 award

Lahore, July 11, 2026: Pakistan has secured another major international achievement after the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) received global recognition at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026. The Authority’s flagship initiative, “Mera Pyara Virtual Center for Child Safety,” was declared the Global Champion in the E-Government category, highlighting Pakistan’s growing reputation in digital governance and technology-based public services.

The recognition came during the WSIS Forum 2026, held in Geneva, Switzerland, under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Representing Pakistan at the global event, Punjab Safe Cities Authority Chief Operating Officer Captain (Retd.) Mustansar Feroz accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the organization.

In addition to the top honour, another PSCA initiative, the Virtual Women Police Station, also received international recognition, with both projects being acknowledged among the world’s leading digital public service innovations.

The Mera Pyara Virtual Center for Child Safety is a technology-driven platform established to strengthen child protection and improve public safety. It plays a vital role in tracing and reuniting missing children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities with their families through advanced digital solutions and coordinated institutional efforts.

According to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority spokesperson, the platform has handled more than 158,000 cases since its launch. Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies, over 28,458 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, while the initiative has successfully helped reunite more than 80,000 missing children with their families.

The spokesperson said the project combines artificial intelligence, digital data management, institutional coordination and modern technology to create an efficient child protection system. Its success has earned global appreciation as an outstanding example of how digital innovation can improve governance and public service delivery.

WSIS Prizes are regarded among the world’s most prestigious awards for recognizing excellence in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), e-government and digital public services. The recognition of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s initiatives reflects Pakistan’s growing contribution to technology-driven governance and innovation on the international stage.

Officials described the award as a testament to the digital governance vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering citizen-focused, technology-enabled public services. They said the Authority has set new benchmarks in public safety, child protection and rapid service delivery by integrating advanced technologies into law enforcement and public administration.

The spokesperson also highlighted the international recognition received by the Virtual Women Police Station, a digital platform designed to provide women with safe, accessible and immediate police assistance. By allowing women to seek help remotely, the initiative reduces many of the traditional barriers that often discourage victims from approaching law enforcement agencies.

According to the Authority, the global recognition of both projects reinforces Pakistan’s image as a country embracing innovation, digital transformation and inclusive governance. Officials said the achievements demonstrate how technology can be used to improve public welfare, strengthen institutional efficiency and enhance access to essential services.

Punjab Safe Cities Authority reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the use of advanced digital technologies to build a safer society and ensure that citizens continue to receive efficient, innovative and easily accessible public services. The Authority stated that these international honours will further motivate its efforts to develop technology-driven solutions that enhance safety, strengthen public trust and improve the quality of governance across Punjab.