A delegation from UN Women Pakistan, led by its Chief of Mission, visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) headquarters on Friday. They were welcomed by Managing Director Muhammad Ahsan Younas and Chief Operating Officer Mustansar Feroze, who delivered a comprehensive briefing on the authority’s key initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and security.
The delegation was introduced to several pioneering programs, including Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station and the Child Safety Centre. They were briefed on the functionality and impact of these initiatives in creating safer environments for women and children. Additionally, the delegation toured various departments under the PSCA umbrella and observed the Operations and Monitoring Centre in action. Here, they gained insights into the advanced 15 Emergency Helpline System, which is designed to provide quick and efficient responses to emergency calls, and the authority’s utilization of artificial intelligence technology for detecting traffic violations, identifying weapons, and enhancing situational awareness.
During the briefing, Managing Director Muhammad Ahsan Younas elaborated on the significant progress of the Smart Safe City Projects. He highlighted the ongoing expansion of these projects to 18 additional districts in Punjab and reiterated the government’s commitment to completing these initiatives promptly. He also emphasized how these projects integrate cutting-edge technology to bolster public safety and streamline law enforcement operations across the province.
The UN Women Pakistan delegation commended the PSCA for its innovative approaches to addressing safety challenges, particularly its efforts in empowering women and safeguarding children. They described the Virtual Women Police Station as a groundbreaking initiative that bridges the gap between women and law enforcement, ensuring greater accessibility and support. The delegation also lauded the authority’s proactive use of technology in tackling complex security issues, recognizing it as a model for other regions to follow.
The visit served as an opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration between UN Women Pakistan and the PSCA. Both parties expressed their mutual interest in furthering gender-responsive policing and incorporating global best practices to enhance safety measures for vulnerable populations.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts between the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the UN Women Pakistan delegation, symbolizing mutual respect and collaboration. The delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and applauded the PSCA’s unwavering commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive society through innovative and sustainable initiatives.
