LAHORE: The United Nations has recognized Punjab’s digital governance initiatives, with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority receiving international acknowledgment at the WSIS Prizes 2026, a global forum for e-governance and digital public services.
According to official details, two projects from the Punjab Safe Cities Authority were shortlisted at the global level in April 2026, including the “Virtual Women Police Station” and the “Virtual Center for Child Safety (Mera Pyara).” The latter has now been placed among the world’s top five champion projects in the WSIS awards.
The initiative is being highlighted as part of the digital governance vision associated with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, focusing on citizen-centered and technology-driven public service delivery.
Officials from the Safe Cities Authority said Pakistan is the only country with two projects shortlisted in the WSIS e-governance category this year, describing it as a significant international recognition of the province’s digital transformation efforts.
The Virtual Center for Child Safety reportedly handled over 145,000 child-related cases, including action on more than 54,000 missing children cases. Authorities claim that over 77,000 children have been reunited with their families through the system, including thousands of special-needs children.
The system is also said to provide digital support in cases involving child exploitation, online harassment, and other safety concerns.
Officials described the recognition as evidence of international confidence in Punjab’s technology-based governance model, stating that the initiative has helped enhance Pakistan’s global image in digital public service innovation and child protection systems.
