Bolo and Police Helplines launched

PESHAWAR: The Social Welfare Department with the support of the Islamic Relief Pakistan has launched “Bolo and Police Helplines” for the timely support for victims of gender-based violence.

Through the helpline, the social welfare and police departments would simultaneously receive the calls of the gender-based violence victims and in response police vans will make sure to reach the callers within 15 minutes. The police and Social Welfare Departments will provide protection, medical and psychological treatment to the victims.

The caretaker minister for Finance, Excise Taxation, and Narcotics Control in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ahmed Rasul Bangash, inaugurated the integration of Bolo Helpline and Police Helpline, establishing a joint helpline aimed at promoting social change. The ceremony, attended by key officials including Secretary Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, and Women Development Miss Anila Mehfooz Durani, Asif Shirazi (Country Director Islamic Relief), Pakistan Independent Consultant Muhammad Haseeb Khan Salarzai, and a United Nations representative, marked the formal merger of the two helplines.

During the event, Caretaker Minister Ahmed Rasul Bangash, acting as a special guest, inaugurated the joint helpline by dialing the toll-free number. He highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that the integration is a crucial step by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government toward fostering social change.

The unified helpline, combining Bolo Helpline (080022227/1097) and Police Helpline 15, is expected to facilitate the reporting of complaints to the relevant authorities, contributing to a positive societal transformation.

Minister Bangash emphasized that the joint helpline would play a pivotal role in addressing gender discrimination and safeguarding the rights of various groups, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.