On Sep 5, 2026, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Madam Maryam Nawaz, inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub and the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center (PIFTAC) in Lahore.
Maryam Nawaz mentioned that bringing together PIFTAC and the AI hub will help officials spot security threats more quickly. This integration will also improve teamwork between agencies, making it easier for them to work together and tackle new challenges as they arise.
According to media reports, Maryam Nawaz said that Punjab is the first province in Pakistan to establish an Artificial Intelligence Hub. She said the government has turned the concept of AI-based security into a functional system in a very short period of time.
Maryam Nawaz said that the AI system will help by sending digital alerts to district coordination committees. This way, they can spot potential issues early on and address them before they turn into major incidents.
She said PIFTAC will improve coordination between security agencies to work together. This will help them respond faster to terrorism and other security threats, especially from the tri-border area and nearby provinces. She also said, “Controlling an incident before it happens would be the real success”.
The chief minister highlighted that keeping law and order is just as important as developing infrastructure. She pointed out that roads and buildings are not valuable if people are at risk of crime and violence.
Maryam Nawaz stated that crime in Punjab had decreased by as much as 70%, emphasizing that the government was increasingly focusing on crime prevention rather than responding after incidents occurred.
The chief minister talked about how the provincial government is dealing with heavy rainfall. She said authorities are now removing standing rainwater more quickly, even though the sewer and drainage systems have some problems. However, she noted that fully fixing Punjab’s sewer and drainage systems will require significant resources.
Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government has a strict policy against corruption and will take action on cases involving even small amounts, like Rs. 100. She mentioned that the government has set up a public helpline for reporting corruption and will make arrests when there is enough evidence.
Written instructions have been given to the Inspector General of Police, regional police officers, and other senior officials to find and dismiss corrupt individuals from their departments. The government has also given body cameras to police officers to increase accountability and monitor their behavior while on duty.
Maryam Nawaz said the government is working to improve compliance with laws and regulations. She mentioned that enforcement has increased in areas like wearing helmets, sticking to lanes, and using zebra crossings. However, pedestrians also need more awareness and training on road safety.
The chief minister stated that the government made a tough decision to allow Basant in Lahore after putting in place safety measures. She confirmed that the festival ended safely and no kites were in the sky after the official closing time.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized the need for better protection for women and children, especially after recent cases of abuse. She stated that the government must ensure the safety of its citizens and their property, making public safety a top priority.
The chief minister added that the goal is to create a safer and better-governed Punjab, while also working to improve Pakistan’s international reputation.
