School security smartphone app launched in Karachi

A smartphone app designed to provide security to about 3,000 schools of Pakistan's Karachi city was launched, a media report said.

Sindh Rangers on Saturday announced the application will help educational institutions in the metropolis alert law enforcers in case of an emergency, Dawn online reported.

"In case of any emergency or untoward situation, the head of the educational institution is advised to send a message to the system," said a senior Rangers official. He added the message will be received at the central command (Rangers headquarters) and also the cell phones of the zone's company commander, wing commander and the sector commander.

It will facilitate a rapid response. The official stated the system also allows deployment of additional personnel if necessary.

Named 'Rangers School College Protection System', so far 3,000 schools have been registered with the system. Other schools can also apply for induction into the system. "In future, we will add hospitals, shopping malls and media houses into the system," said the Rangers official.

Security concerns have forced closure of many schools in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan after an attack on Bacha Khan University (BKU) earlier this year.

Last month, the paramilitary force announced a WhatsApp helpline allowing the people of Karachi to send texts, videos and pictures related to any criminal or illegal activity to the force.

Source IANS