The Punjab government has decided to adopt Japan’s advanced smart policing system. The announcement was made by Maryam Nawaz during her official visit to Tokyo, where she was briefed on the best policing and emergency response models of Japan that she decided to replicate in Punjab.
This step is being hailed as one of the most ambitious law enforcement reforms in Punjab’s history, aimed at making policing not just more efficient but also more citizen-friendly.
Smarter Traffic Management in Punjab
One of the most immediate changes will be seen on Punjab’s roads. Traffic chaos — a daily struggle for millions — is set for a complete overhaul. Lahore has been chosen as the pilot city where a Japanese-style traffic model will first be introduced.
The system will heavily depend on smart traffic control technologies, advanced surveillance, and automated response tools. As per officials, the goal is to reduce traffic accidents, improve regulation, and ensure faster emergency responses. If successful, the model will then be replicated in other major cities of Punjab.
High-Tech Policing with Infrared and Ultrasonic Tools
Punjab Police will also be laced with infrared and ultrasonic systems for field monitoring and surveillance. These tools, which are already standard in Japan, will assist in detecting threats more effectively and cut down delays in handling emergencies. Authorities believe this will not only improve safety in public spaces but also boost confidence in law enforcement.
Virtual Police Stations and Digital Access
The plan goes beyond roads and surveillance. The government has declared the establishment of virtual police stations that will permit citizens to register complaints and seek help without physically visiting a police station. Alongside this, new mobile applications will be introduced for traffic updates, emergency alerts, and online complaint tracking.
This digital infrastructure will be reinforced by expanded CCTV coverage and data analytics, making crime mapping and resource deployment far more efficient.
Learning from Japan’s Experience
During her Tokyo visit, CM Maryam Nawaz and her team were given briefing regarding the National Police Agency of Japan on how centralized systems, inter-agency coordination, and evidence-based decision-making help maintain law and order. Punjab is highly keen to replicate these practices locally.
Training programs, technical cooperation, and knowledge-sharing agreements with Japan are also anticipated to be part of the reform package, guaranteeing that technology adoption is matched with capacity building for local officers.
What This Means for Citizens
If this is implemented successfully, these reforms could bring tangible improvements to daily life in Punjab:
• Faster accident and emergency response times.
• Reduced traffic congestion and safer roads.
• Easier access to police services via mobile apps and online systems.
• More transparent policing with real-time data monitoring.
• Improved crime prevention via surveillance and analytics.
This shift could mean less frustration on the roads, quicker justice and greater trust in law enforcement for the ordinary or common masses — something Pakistan’s policing system has long struggled to achieve.
Punjab is positioning itself to enter a new era of smart, tech-driven governance where public safety and convenience will prevail.