Islamabad Police Emergency Helpline Flooded With Random Prank Calls

The Islamabad Police revealed that its emergency helpline, PUCAR-15, was flooded with random prank calls. According to official figures, the helpline received 192,914 calls during the month of September, but shockingly, over 155,000 of them — nearly 80% — were prank or non-serious calls, according to official figures.

Officials said such misuse of the emergency line severely affects police response time and prevents genuine callers from receiving timely help. They stressed that the PUCAR-15 service is meant strictly for emergencies, including crimes, accidents, and life-threatening situations.

گزشتہ ماہ ستمبر کے دوران پکار 15 پر مجموعی طور پر 1,92,914 کالز موصول ہوئیں، جن میں سے 1,55,884 غیر ضروری یا غیر سنجیدہ کالز تھیں۔ شہری پکار 15 پر صرف حقیقی اور ایمرجنسی حالات میں ہی کال کریں تاکہ بروقت مدد یقینی بنائی جا سکے۔#WeRIslamabadPolice #Islamabad #Pukar15 pic.twitter.com/iB5sSq9eDT

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) October 13, 2025

The PUCAR-15 call center, launched under the Safe City initiative, receives thousands of calls daily, providing citizens with assistance from police, fire, and ambulance services based on the nature of their requests.

Safe City Director General Shakir Hussain Dawar said that prank and unnecessary calls not only waste police time but can also delay help in real emergencies, potentially endangering lives.

He emphasized that the PUCAR-15 helpline exists for public safety and convenience, urging citizens to use it responsibly and discourage others from making false or hoax calls.