KP Pink Button Project
In a progressive move to improve public safety, especially for women, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has launched the KP Pink Button Project. This initiative aims to reduce incidents of harassment and street crime by providing a direct and quick way for people to report emergencies to the police.
What is the Pink Button Project?
The Pink Button Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a technology-based safety initiative introduced by the provincial government. The project is designed to help women report harassment or other crimes quickly and safely. These emergency buttons, when pressed, immediately alert the police control room with real-time video and voice transmission from the scene.
This system allows law enforcement to assess the situation instantly and take timely action, a much-needed step in improving response time during emergencies.
خیبرپختونخوا حکومت نے صوبے بھر میں خواتین ہراسانی کے واقعات روک تھام کے لئے ”پنک بٹن“ کی تنصیب کا اعلان کیا ہے۔ میڈیا رپورٹس کے مطابق منصوبے کے پہلے مرحلے میں پشاور میں خواتین کی زیادہ آمد و رفت والی جگہوں پر 68 پنک بٹن نصب کیے جائیں گے. تاکہ خواتین اپنی شکایت سے پولیس کو بروقت آگاہ کر سکیں. یہ بٹن پولیس کنٹرول روم سے منسلک ہوں گے. اور اِس بٹن کو دباتے ہی شکایت کنندہ کی ویڈیو اور آواز کنٹرول روم کو موصول ہو جائے گی۔
رپورٹس میں یہ بھی کہا گیا ہے کہ صرف خواتین ہی نہیں. بلکہ کوئی بھی شہری اِس سہولت سے استفادہ کر سکے گا. کیونکہ یہ بٹن سٹریٹ کرائم کے واقعات کے خلاف بروقت کارروائی میں بھی مددگار ثابت ہو سکتا ہے۔ صوبائی حکومت کا یہ خوش آئند اقدام ہے لیکن ضرورت اِس اَمر کی ہے. کہ اِن بٹنوں سے موصول ہونے والی شکایات یا اطلاعات پر موثر کارروائی کے لئے ایسے افسر تعینات کئے جائیں. جو شکایات کے بروقت ازالے کو یقینی بنانے کی صلاحیت رکھتے ہوں۔
First Phase: Installation in Peshawar
According to media reports, the first phase of the Pink Button Project will see 68 emergency buttons installed across Peshawar, the provincial capital. These buttons will be placed in public areas that are frequently visited by women, such as markets, bus stops, universities, and parks.
The selection of these locations is based on foot traffic and previous reports of harassment, ensuring the buttons are accessible where they are most needed.
How Does the Pink Button Work?
The working mechanism of the pink button is simple yet highly effective:
- When a person presses the button, a live video and voice recording is immediately sent to the police control room.
- This real-time communication allows police to evaluate the situation and dispatch help quickly.
- The feature is particularly helpful in situations where the victim may not be able to speak or call for help directly.
This quick-response system can help prevent crimes or at least enable faster intervention, minimizing harm to the victim.
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A Facility for All Citizens
While the primary aim of the project is to protect women from harassment, the Pink Buttons are not limited to just one gender. Any citizen facing danger or witnessing street crime can use the button to notify the authorities.
Whether it’s a robbery, assault, or any suspicious activity, this system provides a fast-track communication channel with the police, making public spaces safer for everyone.
The Need for Efficient Complaint Handling
Installing these emergency buttons is a great step, but their success depends heavily on how effectively the police respond to the alerts. There is a critical need for:
- Trained officers at the control room who can respond promptly and professionally.
- Clear procedures for handling emergency calls and dispatching help.
- Regular monitoring and maintenance of the equipment to ensure functionality.
If these areas are not addressed, the system may lose public trust and effectiveness.
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Public Response and Future Plans
The Pink Button Project has been widely welcomed by civil society and women’s rights groups as a positive and much-needed step. Many believe it reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing public safety, especially in a province where cultural and social norms often discourage women from reporting harassment.
If the project proves successful in Peshawar, it is expected that similar installations will be expanded to other cities and districts across KP. This expansion could lead to a province-wide safety network, giving citizens more confidence in their public environment.
Conclusion
The Pink Button Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a smart blend of technology and public service aimed at tackling harassment and street crime. By allowing real-time alerts to law enforcement, it empowers citizens, especially women, to take control of their safety.
However, the true success of this project will depend on the government’s ability to ensure quick and professional responses to every alert. With the right infrastructure, training, and commitment, this initiative could become a model for other provinces to follow in making Pakistan’s public spaces safer for all.