KARACHI: Sindh Rangers on Saturday announced the introduction of a cellphone application designed to provide security to about '3000 schools of Karachi'

In a press conference with Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Information in attendance, a senior Rangers official, Colonel Qaiser, announced that the system designed to support the application will help educational institutions in the metropolis alert law enforcers in case of an emergency.

"In case of any emergency or untoward situation, the head of the educational institution is advised to send a message to the system," said Qaiser.

He added the message will be received at the central command (Rangers HQ) and also the cell phones of the zone's company commander, wing commander and the sector commander. It will facilitate a rapid response. Colonel Qaiser 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 text, videos and pictures related to any criminal or illegal activity to the force.

The paramilitary force had requested citizens to send information about terrorism, extortion and any kind of illegal or supicious activity to their WhatsApp number 0316-2369996 or email them at rangers.madadgar@gmail.com, adding that the force is able to curtail such activities in the city with people's support through their telephone helpline 1101.