Madadgar-15 to be revamped along the lines of Punjab counterpart

Around 80% of the calls to Madadgar-15 helpline are prank calls

KARACHI: Sindh Police plans to revamp Madadgar-15 helpline in the province along the same lines as the Punjab-based Safe City Authority's complaint management and response system, sources affiliated with the police have revealed.

Talking to The Express Tribune, they disclosed that Safe City Authority Chief Operating Officer DIG Akbar Nasir Khan, who has to his credit the establishment of the Safe City Project in 40 cities of Punjab, was invited to Karachi, where he met Sindh IGP Kaleem Imam, Operations DIG Maqsood Momin, Karachi AIG Ghulam Nabi Memon and other officials to discuss ways for improving Madadgar-15. The participants of the meeting pointed out the helpline's shortcomings and recommended relevant solutions.

According to police sources, 10,000 to 12,000 calls are received on Madadgar-15 helpline daily from Karachi and around 80% of these are prank calls. During the meeting held with Sindh Police authorities, DIG Khan suggested the installation of call filters to solve this issue.

The Express Tribune has also learned that Sindh Police officials will hold further meetings with DIG Khan over the coming days to discuss and finalise measures for improving Madadgar-15, particularly steps for reducing its response time.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2019.