Punjab’s digital governance model under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has achieved a major international milestone as the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s (PSCA) flagship initiative, “Mera Pyara” (Virtual Center for Child Safety), secured recognition as a Champion Project at the WSIS Prizes 2026, organized under the auspices of the United Nations.
According to a PSCA spokesperson, two flagship projects — the Virtual Women Police Station and “Mera Pyara” — were shortlisted for the prestigious awards in April 2026, marking a unique achievement for Pakistan as both public service initiatives from Punjab gained recognition on a globally respected platform for digital innovation.
The spokesperson said “Mera Pyara” was launched to help reunite missing children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities with their families. Since its inception, the platform has handled over 145,000 child-related cases, including more than 54,000 missing children cases.
More than 77,000 missing children have been reunited with their families through the initiative, including thousands of differently-abled children. The platform has also provided timely assistance in cases involving child exploitation, online harassment, and other child protection concerns.
The spokesperson termed the recognition a matter of pride for both Punjab and Pakistan, saying it reflects growing global confidence in citizen-centric, technology-driven governance and highlights Pakistan’s progressive image in digital public service delivery.
Article Credit: dailyindependent