Punjab’s Virtual Women Police Station (VWPS) and Virtual Centre for Child Safety (VCCS) have earned international recognition by securing places among the top 20 digital governance projects in the world at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026. The awards are organized under the United Nations framework to recognize innovative digital solutions that improve public services.
Developed by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), both initiatives use technology to provide quick and easy access to support services for women and children. Their selection highlights Pakistan’s growing role in digital governance and public service innovation. Notably, Pakistan is the only country with two projects shortlisted in this category.
The Virtual Women Police Station was launched to help women report complaints and seek assistance without visiting a police station. The platform offers a safer and more accessible way to connect with law enforcement. According to official figures, VWPS has facilitated more than 935,000 cases related to women’s safety.
Similarly, the Virtual Centre for Child Safety focuses on child protection and online safety. The platform has handled over 134,000 child protection cases, helping authorities respond more effectively to concerns involving children.
The international recognition reflects the success of Punjab’s digital policing model in addressing social issues through technology. It also demonstrates how digital platforms can improve access to public services, increase citizen trust, and strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups.
