There has been a trend of digitization of government services in both Punjab and KPK. Computerization of land records in nearing completion in both these provinces with many other projects currently in the pipeline. Now Punjab is taking another step towards making lives of people easier by releasing an emergency app for residents of district Lahore
The app is made in collaboration with PITB. According to DIG Operations Dr. Haider Ashraf, it is an important step in making sure that “thana culture” and all the negativity associated with it is slowly phased out from Pakistani society.
A brief overview and functions of the app are:
1. Interface
App’s interface, although bare bone, is simple to use and does not waste time in unnecessary navigation menus. Upon launching the app, you are presented with 3 options: contact rescue 15, report a terrorist activity or lodge a complaint.
2. Rescue 15 features
Before you can access rescue 15, you need to register by providing your CNIC number, phone number and location of your nearest Police station. Upon providing those details, you will be asked to verify your registration by dialing 15. After your account has been verified, you can file a report by choosing report intensity through a drop down menu at the top of the screen.
You can submit a text report, a photo report (it allows attaching photos of the incident), check the status of your previous report or simply call rescue 15 right from the application itself.
If you are in an emergency situation, there is a big red SOS button which will send your location immediately to police servers and a team will immediately be dispatched to the reported location.
3. Abusing the app
In a statement released to Express Tribune, DIG Operations Dr. Haider Ashraf warned against misuse of the app for recreational purposes, saying that strict action will be taken against those found involved in such conduct.
The app is currently available on play store and you can download it from here.
