Minister for Information and Culture Punjab, Azma Bokhari, addressing the ASEAN program at Punjab Safe Cities Authority, has said that the Punjab government is fully committed to providing a safe, resilient, and technology-equipped urban environment. Welcoming ASEAN delegates to Lahore, Azma Bokhari noted that the program focuses on key urban development challenges, including security, governance, resource management, environmental concerns, and crime prevention. She highlighted that smart cities are indispensable for modern states, where artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data systems are integrated. Information Minister explained that AI transforms urban security systems into data-driven, predictive, and responsive mechanisms. Punjab Safe Cities Authority is operational across 24 districts, with over 8,000 AI-enabled cameras in Lahore enhancing public safety and traffic management, she added. Under the Safe City framework, the “Meri Awaz Maryam Nawaz” virtual women’s police station provides immediate assistance to women, while the Virtual Child Safety Center aids in the rapid recovery of missing children and elderly citizens. Additionally, the Virtual Minority Affairs Center ensures protection and rights for minority communities, and the Virtual Emergency Blood Bank enables instant access to blood in emergencies. Azma Bokhari also highlighted the 333 panic buttons that accelerate police response, and the AI-based traffic violation detection system and e-challans that improve traffic management. The upgraded helpline responds to over 90,000 daily calls, while the “Meri Pehchaan” service facilitates identification of missing persons and unidentified bodies. Public digital access is further supported through 1,283 free Wi-Fi points. She emphasized that Safe City Crime Stoppers enhances citizen trust through anonymous reporting, and the Safe City Service provides 24/7 instant assistance and information. Role-based AI surveillance effectively prevents potential crimes, making the Smart Safe City project a milestone in modern urban security. Virtual police stations in Punjab are providing essential public services, with the government prioritizing a complete sense of security among citizens. Concluding her remarks, Azma Bokhari stated that safe cities are the cornerstone of civic welfare, economic growth, tourism, and social stability. Under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, Punjab Safe Cities Authority is laying the foundation for modern, secure, and developed cities.
Punjab committed to safe, tech-driven urban environment: Azma
Published on: November 18, 2025 1:52 AM