The Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App has introduced a major upgrade designed to improve citizen protection, accessibility, and emergency response services across the province. With new features aimed at vulnerable groups and stronger integration with emergency departments, the app represents a modern approach to public safety. Managing Director Muhammad Ahsan Younis announced that the app will remain free of data charges for 30 days, following an agreement with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, ensuring accessibility for all citizens.
Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App: Serving Vulnerable Communities
One of the most important aspects of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App is its inclusivity. The upgraded version now caters to visually impaired, hearing-impaired, and speech-impaired users, alongside patients with epilepsy and individuals with mental health challenges. Trained agents who can communicate in sign language have been added, making emergency communication faster and more effective for vulnerable groups.
This step highlights the growing need for digital platforms that not only provide safety but also ensure accessibility for people who are often left behind in technology adoption. According to a recent survey, nearly 10% of Pakistan’s population lives with some form of disability, making these features crucial for building a safer and more inclusive society.
Innovative Safety Features for Real-Time Rescue
The latest update of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App introduces several smart safety tools designed to save lives in critical situations. Key features include:
- Lock Screen Identification: Users can now display their disability type and provide a relative’s emergency contact directly on their lock screen. This helps rescuers identify and provide help instantly.
- Gesture-Based SOS Alerts: Simple gestures can trigger an SOS alert, allowing individuals in distress to call for help even if they cannot speak.
- Fall Detection for Epilepsy Patients: The app can detect sudden falls, sending immediate alerts to emergency responders and family members.
- Accident Alerts and Flood Notifications: Location-based alerts help citizens stay safe during road accidents or natural disasters.
- Family Tracking: Families can monitor the real-time location of loved ones, ensuring safety during travel or emergencies.
These tools reflect how digital safety applications are evolving beyond basic calling functions, using artificial intelligence and location-based technology to anticipate and respond to crises.
Expanded Emergency Connectivity
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App integrates with multiple emergency services, ensuring citizens can quickly access help. Users can directly contact fire brigades, ambulance services, Motorway Police, Punjab Highway Patrol, and disaster response agencies through calls, live chat, or even video calls.
This multi-channel approach to communication is especially important in emergencies where traditional voice calls may not be possible. Live chat and video call features provide additional layers of accessibility for people with hearing or speech impairments.
Complaint Tracking and Crime Reporting
Another strong feature of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App is its ability to improve accountability and transparency in policing. Citizens can:
- Track the progress of their emergency complaints.
- Check and pay e-challans.
- Report crimes using the “Safety Eye” feature.
- Register missing or found children.
The app also connects directly with the Punjab Chief Minister’s Portal, the Inspector General Police Complaint Cell, and the Police Khidmat Markaz, ensuring faster resolution of citizen complaints.
Inclusive and Accessible Design
The app has been made available in both Urdu and English, ensuring ease of use for citizens across different literacy levels. By adopting an inclusive design approach, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority has focused on making technology accessible to women, children, elderly citizens, minorities, and people with disabilities.
With rising concerns about women’s safety in public spaces, digital platforms like this have become essential. A report by Gallup Pakistan highlighted that 68% of citizens feel unsafe while traveling alone at night, underscoring the importance of reliable public safety solutions.
The upgraded Punjab Safe Cities Authority Public Safety App is more than just a digital tool; it is a comprehensive platform designed to save lives, improve emergency communication, and foster inclusivity. By integrating real-time safety features, expanding access to emergency services, and ensuring support for vulnerable groups, this initiative represents a major step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to build safer cities.
As digital governance continues to evolve, such innovations play a vital role in connecting technology with public welfare. The app’s accessibility, inclusivity, and smart safety features ensure that it is not only a public service but also a life-saving platform for millions of citizens across Punjab.
