The Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) has achieved global recognition as its Mera Pyara Virtual Centre for Child Safety secured the top honor in the e-government category at the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Prizes. The award was announced at the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, an event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). PSCA Chief Operating Officer Mustansar Feroz received the award on behalf of the authority.
Global Champion in Digital Governance
According to the PSCA, the Mera Pyara Virtual Centre was selected as the Global Champion in the e-government category after competing with numerous digital governance projects from around the world. The authority's Virtual Women Police Station was also recognized among the leading digital public service initiatives at the forum. The WSIS Prizes promote the use of information and communication technologies in advancing sustainable development and improving public services, with categories covering digital governance, education, healthcare, cybersecurity, and innovation.
Platform Achievements and Impact
The Mera Pyara digital platform is designed to strengthen child protection and assist in tracing and reuniting missing children with their families. It also facilitates efforts to locate missing senior citizens and persons with disabilities through digital technologies and institutional coordination. According to figures released by the PSCA, the platform has handled more than 158,000 cases since its launch. Efforts through the system have led to the registration of 28,458 first information reports (FIRs), while more than 80,000 missing children have been reunited with their families.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
Officials said the platform integrates artificial intelligence, digital data management, and coordination among government institutions to improve response times and strengthen child protection mechanisms. The Virtual Women Police Station provides online access to police services, complaints registration, and guidance without requiring women to visit police stations, enhancing accessibility and safety.
Recognition at International Forum
The WSIS Forum 2026 brought together governments, public institutions, academic organizations, and private sector entities to evaluate projects in various categories. The PSCA's achievement highlights Pakistan's progress in leveraging technology for public safety and governance. Mustansar Feroz expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the authority's commitment to using digital solutions for societal benefit.
