Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center (PIFTAC) and officially launched the AI Hub Punjab, marking a major step toward using technology to strengthen public security.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to establish an Artificial Intelligence Hub. She said the government turned the idea of using AI for security into a working system within just a few months, calling its rapid development a significant achievement.
AI System for Early Threat Detection
The chief minister said the new AI-based system will provide early digital alerts to district coordination committees. This will allow authorities to detect potential security issues earlier and take action before they develop into serious incidents.
She added that PIFTAC will improve response times against terrorism and other security threats, particularly those linked to the tri-border region and neighbouring provinces.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that the real measure of success would be preventing incidents before they happen. She also said maintaining law and order is just as important as development, because infrastructure has little value if people are not safe.
According to her, crime in Punjab has fallen by up to 70%, with the government increasingly focusing on crime prevention rather than reacting after incidents occur.
Security Agencies Strengthen Coordination
Maryam Nawaz appreciated the Pakistan Army’s cooperation and praised Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah. She also congratulated Home Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Home Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi and other officials involved in establishing the AI Hub.
She praised the police, Special Branch and other law-enforcement agencies for working together as a single unit to protect citizens.
The government has also strengthened joint check posts in sensitive areas, providing them with bulletproof facilities as well as thermal and night-vision cameras. The chief minister said these improvements were necessary because security personnel had previously faced serious attacks while terrorists were sometimes better equipped.
She added that the security situation in riverine areas has improved considerably, with government authority restored and criminal activities brought under greater control.
Response to Heavy Rainfall
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab has also improved its ability to respond to emergencies such as heavy rainfall. Despite existing weaknesses in drainage and sewerage infrastructure, authorities are now removing accumulated rainwater more quickly.
However, she acknowledged that fully upgrading Punjab’s sewerage and drainage systems will require substantial financial resources.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
The chief minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, saying even cases involving as little as Rs. 100 would be pursued.
A public helpline for reporting corruption has been established, and arrests will be made when sufficient evidence is available. Written directions have also been issued to senior police officials to identify and remove corrupt personnel.
The government has further introduced body cameras for police officers to improve transparency and monitor their conduct during duty.
Road Safety and Basant Festival
Maryam Nawaz said authorities were increasing enforcement of traffic and road-safety rules, including helmet use, lane discipline and zebra crossings. She also stressed that pedestrians need better awareness of road-safety practices.
She said the government made a difficult decision to permit Basant in Lahore after implementing extensive safety measures. According to her, the festival concluded safely, with no kites visible after the official closing time.
Greater Protection for Women and Children
The chief minister highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect women and children from violence and abuse. Referring to the abuse of a 10-month-old girl, she said such incidents deeply disturb public confidence and demonstrate the importance of effective protection systems.
Maryam Nawaz said citizens expect the government to safeguard their lives and property, adding that ensuring public safety remains her responsibility even when difficult decisions are required.
She said the government’s wider objective is to build a safer, technology-driven and better-governed Punjab, while continuing efforts to improve Pakistan’s international image and support the country’s overall progress.