Punjab Launches QR Panic Button System To Make Public Transport Safer
- Punjab has introduced a QR-based Panic Button system for buses, vans, rickshaws, taxis and other public transport vehicles.
- The system offers 12 safety features, including emergency calls, video calls, live chat, location sharing and vehicle verification.
- Authorities say the initiative will enable faster emergency response and strengthen passenger safety across the province.
The Punjab government has launched a new QR-based Panic Button system aimed at improving safety for passengers using public transport across the province. The initiative has been introduced by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Digital Punjab vision and is designed to connect public transport with the province’s digital security infrastructure.
Under the project, QR Panic Buttons will be installed in buses, vans, rickshaws, taxis and other public transport vehicles. Officials said the system has been developed by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority using its own resources, without placing any additional financial burden on the government.
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Passengers will be able to use the service free of cost through the Public Safety App or by accessing the Punjab Safe Cities Authority platform. Authorities said people can download and activate the facility through the Safe Cities website or the public safety application.
The QR Panic Button combines 12 safety features in a single system. These include emergency calling, video calling, live chat, location sharing, vehicle verification and direct communication with authorities. Officials noted that many transport safety systems used internationally offer only limited functions, whereas Punjab’s system integrates multiple security features into one platform.
Before beginning a journey, passengers can scan the QR code to view verified details of the vehicle, its owner and the driver. The information can also be shared with family members or trusted contacts to enhance travel security.
In the event of an emergency, passengers can immediately contact authorities through a phone call, video call or live chat. Once activated, the system automatically sends the passenger’s live location along with vehicle information to the Safe Cities control room, allowing 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 assistance during emergencies, making it a safety tool for both passengers and transport operators.
Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Karim said the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority of the police. He said the QR Panic Button system would strengthen the connection between law enforcement agencies and the public while helping ensure quicker responses during emergencies.
Punjab Safe Cities Authority Managing Director Ahsan Younas said the initiative is part of wider efforts to transform public transport into a digitally connected safety ecosystem through the use of smart technology, advanced monitoring systems and real-time emergency response mechanisms.
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