The Pakistan government is all set to launch Universal Pakistan Emergency Helpline (PEHEL) -911 in the first week of October.
This was stated at a meeting held to inform Prime Minister Imran Khan of the progress to launch the project.
The premier directed the authorities concerned to remove all obstacles in the commencement of the service at the earliest to curb crime in the country, according to a statement by the Prime Minister Office.
The prime minister was apprised of the update on the establishment of PEHEL -911. He was briefed that all necessary work, including inter-provincial liaison, has been completed and the helpline will be ready for regular opening by the first week of October.
Prime Minister Imran stressed that the protection of life and property of the masses was the primary responsibility of the government.
He hoped that the launch of this helpline would help ensure peace and security in the country as it would enable timely action against crime.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, SAPM Dr Shahbaz Gill, Home Secretary, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Chairman Nadra, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, DG National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), DG National Information Technology Board (NITB) and other officers concerned attended.
The project is being implemented by the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) and the Digital Pakistan initiative of the IT ministry. NTC, which is responsible for providing secure and reliable telecommunication services to government organisations, is spearheading the initiative to help the citizens in distress. The software applications are being developed by NTC and the National Information Technology Board (NITB).
The dedicated emergency response number can be dialled to avail different services including police, ambulance, and other rescue and support so that the citizens will not have to go through different helplines during emergencies.
At present, there are different phone numbers for various emergency services, including the fire brigade (16), police (15), health assistance, disaster recovery (1122), motorway police (130), etc. The Universal Helpline number 911 can be dialed to avail different services.
