Punjab to establish smart safe cities in 98 tehsils by 2026

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The Punjab government has taken a major step to strengthen public safety and improve law and order by expanding the Smart Safe Cities project to 98 tehsils across the province. The major endeavor behind the initiative is to use modern technology to enhance urban surveillance, crime prevention, and emergency response systems.

The decision depicts the provincial government’s growing emphasis on technology-driven policing and safer cities. As the urban populations and complex security challenges are on rise, authorities believe smart monitoring systems can play a decisive role in protecting citizens and nip the evil in the bud.

MoU Signed at Central Police Office Lahore

A signing ceremony was held at the Central Police Office (CPO) Lahore to formalize the expansion. During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).

Brigadier Azmat Shabbir signed the agreement. Moreover, Managing Director of NRTC, and Muhammad Ahsan Younas, Managing Director of PSCA. Senior police officers and government officials were there in the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the project.

Under the agreement, NRTC will design, develop, and implement Smart Safe Cities systems in 98 tehsils by December 31, 2026.

What the Smart Safe Cities Project Punjab Includes

The major focus of Smart Safe Cities project is on modern surveillance and digital monitoring. It includes:

•          High-definition CCTV cameras

•          Integrated command and control centers

•          Traffic monitoring systems

•          Emergency response coordination

•          Data-driven crime analysis tools

These systems help law enforcement respond faster, manage traffic better, and prevent crime through real-time monitoring.

Read also: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa launches safe city project in high-risk districts

Progress Under Phase I and Phase II

Speaking at the ceremony, PSCA Managing Director Muhammad Ahsan Younas shared progress updates. Moreover, he also said that Phase-I of the project has been completed 100 percent in 18 cities.

These cities include

1. Multan
2. Sheikhupura
3. Sialkot
4. Jhelum
5. Attock
6. Sargodha
7. Dera Ghazi Khan

The systems in these cities are already operational and supporting police and emergency services.

Furthermore, he added that Phase II is currently in the process, covering 19 additional cities. Authorities are claiming that it is going to complete this phase by March 31, 2026.

Why This Expansion Matters

The expansion of Smart Safe Cities to 98 tehsils is a transformation toward technology-based governance in Punjab. Furthermore, it will bring smaller cities and semi-urban areas into the modern security network.

Officials are of the view that the project will

• Reduce crime

• Improve public confidence, traffic discipline, and emergency management

As Punjab continues to urbanize, such initiatives are expected to play a major role in building safer, smarter, and more responsive cities across the province.