Rescue 1122 is an emergency service working in two provinces of Pakistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhah. As all calls to this emergency number are toll free from all networks, so that people can call easily in case of any emergency. Being the Control Room In-Charge, of third largest city of Pakistan, Faisalabad, it is tragic to deal with a large number of fake calls every day. We have to attend about 2500 calls on daily basis in which only 160 to 170 are genuine. The toll free service is considered a blessing in civilized societies as several helpless and needy people seek help by dialing them. To call this help line, to have some fun or as a prank, is a serious criminal offence in civilized countries, under the rules as these prank callers keep an emergency line engaged thus preventing someone from reaching them who is really in need! It is our moral duty and responsibility not to misuse this facility and I would like to ask all residents where this facility is available to refrain from such behavior.
GHULAM SHABBIR,
Faisalabad, May 14.