IT is a matter of satisfaction that Punjab Government’s attention is not confined to the province’s major cities but is increasingly reaching remote and far-flung areas. The completion of the Integrated Safe City Network across 41 districts and two tehsils reflects a broader commitment to the security and well-being of people, regardless of where they live.
The latest initiative is significant not merely because it introduces modern surveillance, but because it brings several public services together under one integrated system. Intelligent cameras, emergency helpline 15, real-time command and control, traffic management and predictive policing can strengthen the government’s ability to prevent and respond to crime. The Virtual Women Police Station, Child Safety Centre and other facilities further demonstrate that the initiative is about providing care and assistance to the people, rather than simply monitoring them. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s announcement to extend the Safe Smart Cities project to every Union Council is particularly welcome. If implemented effectively, it can bring the benefits of modern technology closer to communities that have historically received less attention and ensure that government services and protection are not concentrated in urban centres alone. The reported improvement in the law-and-order situation, especially in the riverine belt, is encouraging. Restoring normal life in areas once considered unsafe is important not only for security but also for development, economic activity and public confidence. The government’s plans for health and other development facilities in these areas can further consolidate this progress. At the same time, technology must be accompanied by a genuine transformation in policing. The police force should be such which is professional, responsive and approachable. It should not be seen as a symbol of authority and high-handedness, but as an institution that the common man can turn to in times of difficulty and expect protection, respect and care.
