Punjab has introduced a new QR-based panic button system aimed at improving passenger safety and strengthening emergency response mechanisms across the province’s public transport network.
The initiative, launched by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Digital Punjab vision, will integrate public transport vehicles with the province’s digital safety infrastructure.
According to officials, QR Panic Buttons will be installed in buses, vans, rickshaws, taxis and other public transport vehicles across Punjab. The system has been developed in-house by the authority without imposing any additional financial burden on the government.
Passengers will be able to access the service through the Public Safety App and the Punjab Safe Cities Authority platform free of charge.
The QR Panic Button incorporates 12 safety features, including emergency calling, video calling, live chat, location sharing, vehicle verification and instant police response.
By scanning the QR code at the start of a journey, passengers will be able to view verified details of the vehicle, its owner and driver, and share that information with family members or trusted contacts.
In an emergency, passengers can contact authorities through a call, video call or live chat. The system will automatically transmit the passenger’s live location and vehicle details to the Safe Cities control room, enabling authorities to coordinate a rapid response through the command-and-control network.
Officials said drivers will also be able to use the system to seek immediate assistance during emergencies.
Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Karim said protecting citizens’ lives and property remains the police force’s top priority, adding that the QR Panic Button would serve as an effective bridge between law enforcement and the public.