Lahore: The Punjab government has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-backed Real-Time Monitoring and Evaluation System (RTMES), significantly enhancing oversight of development projects across the province.
The newly introduced system, which integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, mobile applications, and AI tools, has led to a threefold increase in completed Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) reports—rising from 150 in early 2024 to over 700 between January and April 2025. This improvement is attributed to the shift from manual processes to fully digital, real-time monitoring.
According to officials, RTMES offers comprehensive digitisation of monitoring activities, providing end-to-end project visibility. It features integrated dashboards accessible to top provincial leadership, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Chairman of the Planning and Development (P&D) Board Nabeel Awan, and Director General of Monitoring and Evaluation Dr. Kiran Khurshid.
The dashboards deliver spatial, graphical, and progress-based insights, enabling timely, evidence-based policy decisions. Field officers use the RTMES mobile app to upload geo-tagged photos, videos, and drone footage during site visits. AI algorithms then analyse this media to flag issues and generate automated reports.
The system is fully aligned with the Smart Monitoring of Development Projects (SMDP) portal, ensuring that updates on project progress are instantly available across governance tiers. Authorities say the initiative marks a major step forward in transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Punjab’s public sector operations.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
