AI-enabled intelligence system to strengthen Punjab's security response:CM

LAHORE, Sep 05 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister(CM),Maryam Nawaz Sharif had said that the establishment of the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center (PIFTAC) and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub would significantly strengthen the province's ability to anticipate threats,improve coordination among security agencies and ensure timely response to emerging challenges. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of PIFTAC and the e-launch of the AI Hub Punjab here on Saturday,she said Punjab had become the first province in Pakistan to establish an Artificial Intelligence Hub. The CM said the concept of artificial intelligence had been transformed into a practical reality within a few months, describing the establishment of the AI Hub in record time as a major achievement. She appreciated the cooperation of the Pakistan Army and thanked Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah for his support. She also congratulated Home Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Home Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi and other officers for establishing the AI Hub in a short period. She said the police, Special Branch and other law-enforcement agencies also deserved appreciation for working as 'one unit' to protect citizens and maintain law and order. CM Maryam Nawaz said Punjab had demonstrated its capacity to respond promptly to difficult situations, including the challenges caused by heavy rains. Despite shortcomings in sewerage and drainage systems,she said, rainwater was now being drained promptly. However,she noted that complete rehabilitation and restoration of sewerage and drainage systems across the province would require massive resources. She said the AI-enabled system would help issue digital alerts to district coordination committees,enabling authorities to identify and address potential problems before they developed into major incidents. The CM said law and order remained as important as development projects, stressing that roads and other infrastructure would have little meaning if citizens remained vulnerable to theft, violence or loss of property. She said crime had declined by up to 70 per cent in Punjab, adding that the provincial government had adopted a proactive approach to prevent crimes rather than merely responding after incidents occurred. Referring to law enforcement, CM Maryam Nawaz said the government had taken difficult decisions to protect citizens and had strengthened joint check posts in vulnerable areas with bulletproof thermal and night-vision cameras. She said security personnel previously faced attacks in which dozens lost their lives, while terrorists sometimes possessed better weapons and night-vision equipment than police personnel. She said the situation in the riverine areas had also improved significantly with the writ of the state now established and criminal activity brought under control. The CM said threats also emerged from the tri-border region and neighbouring provinces, making intelligence coordination and timely threat assessment essential. She said PIFTAC would help Punjab reduce response time against terrorism and other security threats.'Controlling an incident before it occurs would be the real success,' she remarked. Maryam Nawaz said the government was also pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, adding that even a corruption amounting to Rs.100 would be pursued. She said a public helpline had been established to report corruption and that arrests would be made once evidence was established. She said written instructions had been issued to the Inspector General of Police, regional police officers and other senior officers to identify and eliminate corrupt elements from their departments. Body cameras had also been provided to police personnel to improve accountability and monitor their conduct during duty. The CM said the government was also working to improve public compliance with law and regulations. She cited the enforcement of helmet use, lane discipline and zebra crossings as examples, adding that pedestrians also needed awareness and training regarding road safety rules. She said the government had taken a difficult decision to hold Basant in Lahore after ensuring comprehensive safety measures. The festival, she added, concluded safely and no kite was seen in the sky after the prescribed closing time. CM Maryam Nawaz said crimes against children and women were particularly disturbing,describing perpetrators as mentally disturbed individuals. She said incidents such as the abuse of a 10-month-old girl shook public confidence in humanity and underscored the need for stronger protection mechanisms. She said citizens looked towards the government for protection of their lives and property, adding that public safety was her responsibility and she was making decisions without caring for personal risks. The CM said the government's ultimate objective was to build a safer, technologically enabled and well-governed Punjab. She expressed the hope that Pakistan would continue to make rapid progress and said efforts were also being made to change the country's image and perception at the international level.