YOUR editorial ‘Crying wolf’ (Aug 25) is very timely and appreciated. On Aug 16 between 10 and 10.40 pm there was a robbery by six armed men in my house (FIR # 790/12 dated 17.08.2012 Police Station Defence-A, Lahore).

Three women, my son and myself were taken hostage on gun-point. The robbers collected cash, gold jewellery and other valuables worth more than Rs3 million and left in 30 to 40 minutes.

I, for the first time in my life, contacted police emergency. But first I had to listen to the recorded message saying that the caller of any wrong or bogus calls would be dealt with according to the law.

When my call was received, I was asked by the police official on the line to inform him about the police station where my house is located, for which I had no idea, as I had no such previous experience of going to a police station. I could only give the address of my house as all of us in our house were in a state of shock, panic and grief. However, the police officials arrived in 10 to 15 minutes.

My suggestion to the officials concerned is to kindly first receive the emergency call, and then they can give any message or ask any question.

In all such genuine cases, time is very important.

H.A. NAQVI Lahore