Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has taken bold steps to innovate and modernize public safety and services in Lahore with the introduction of several groundbreaking initiatives.
The centerpiece of these efforts is the inauguration of Pakistan’s first virtual women’s police station, “Mari Awaz, Maryam Nawaz,” situated within the Punjab Safe City Authority’s premises. The Virtual Women Police Station represents a paradigm shift in how women can seek assistance and report crimes. By leveraging digital technology, this station offers a user-friendly and accessible platform that allows women to connect with law enforcement authorities without the constraints and potential discomfort associated with visiting a physical police station.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz detailed the various communication channels available, including a dedicated 15 Call number, a specialized Women Safety App with live chat and video call capabilities, the Punjab Police App, and the Safe City web portal.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
This multifaceted approach ensures that women have multiple avenues to seek help, tailored to their individual preferences and comfort levels. Emphasizing the station’s commitment to prioritizing women’s safety and addressing their concerns, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted its focus on prompt and confidential handling of cases, particularly those related to harassment.
She reassured potential complainants of the station’s stringent confidentiality policy, which allows for anonymous reporting, thereby creating a safe space for victims to come forward without fear of exposure or retaliation.
To complement the services offered by the Virtual Women Police Station, the Punjab government has rolled out a series of additional initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and accessibility. The installation of 100 emergency Panic-15 buttons across Lahore in strategic locations such as educational institutions, markets, intersections, and bazaars is a significant step towards ensuring immediate assistance during emergencies. These panic buttons connect directly to the Safe City Authority, enabling swift response and intervention when required.
In a move to promote digital inclusion and connectivity, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the “CM Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi” service at over 50 locations across Lahore.
This initiative aims to democratize access to the internet, bridge the digital divide, and empower residents with the tools and resources needed to participate actively in the digital economy and society.
Women Police Station
During her visit to the Virtual Women Police Station, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz engaged with the Women Communication Police Officer and emphasized the importance of providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for women in law enforcement.
She also received a comprehensive briefing on other innovative projects undertaken by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, including the pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence for monitoring and issuing traffic violation tickets, setting a precedent in leveraging technology to improve public safety and governance.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visionary initiatives, including the inauguration of the Virtual Women Police Station, the deployment of emergency panic buttons, the launch of free Wi-Fi services, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence for traffic management, collectively represent a holistic and forward-thinking approach to enhancing public safety, promoting gender equality, and fostering technological innovation in governance.
These initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive, and digitally connected environment where all citizens can live, work, and thrive with dignity, security, and confidence.