ON Jan 22, I received an alarming call from my 15-year-old son, who was at his school in Islamabad. It was a crucial moment, marking the middle of the school day, as he shared the unsettling news of a bomb threat directed at major educational institutions across the city.

The mix of fear and shock that coursed through me was two-fold; fear stemming from the immediate threat, and the shock triggered by the fact that my son, rather than the school management or government authorities, was the bearer of this distressing piece of information.

Living in Islamabad, a city renowned for its reputation as the safest in Pakistan,the revelation was an obvious departure from the usual narrative. The city is fortified with an extensive network of police checkpoints, private security measures, and a robust military presence.

This has traditionally fostered a sense of security among the citizens, allowing them to navigate their daily lives without constant concerns for our safety.

What struck me profoundly was the disconcerting realisation that the communication channels between important institutions, government bodies and citizens were lacking. Instead of receiving timely and official information from the school or government authorities, I had to rely on my son for an update. The lack of immediate communication mechanisms became even more apparent when the news was officially reported several hours later.

In the light of this incident, it becomes evident that there is a critical need for the establishment of a swift and efficient system to inform citizens during emergencies of such magnitude. This system should seamlessly connect the stakeholders, ensuring that crucial information is disseminated promptly and accurately, thereby easing fear and uncertainty in times of crisis.

A proper emergency communication infrastructure is imperative to uphold the safety and wellbeing of the populace, fostering a sense of security in line with Islamabad`s reputation as a safe city.

Manzoor Ahmad Islamabad