LAHORE: Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s (PSCA) flagship initiative, “Mera Pyara” (virtual centre for child safety), has been recognised as a champion project at the WSIS Prizes 2026, organised under the auspices of the United Nations.

The achievement reflects international recognition of Punjab government’s innovative approach to digital governance and citizen-centric public service delivery.

According to the PSCA’s spokesperson, in April 2026,

two projects of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority - virtual women police station and virtual centre for child safety (Mera Pyara) - were shortlisted for the WSIS Prizes 2026.

He declared the development a unique achievement for Pakistan, as both public service initiatives from Punjab secured recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious platforms aimed to enhance digital development and innovation.

He said Mera Pyara is an innovative digital platform developed by the PSCA to help reunite missing children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities with their families.

Since its launching, the said initiative has facilitated to effectively deal with more than 145,000 child-related cases, including over 54,000 missing children cases.

The spokesperson claimed that Mera Pyara platform has successfully reunited more than 77,000 missing children with their families, including thousands of differently-abled children.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2026