KP Govt Launches Pink Button Project to Combat Harassment & Street Crime in Peshawar
KP Govt Launches Pink Button Project to Combat Harassment & Street Crime in Peshawar. The KP Pink Button Project is a bold initiative by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to fight harassment and street crimes in Peshawar. Many citizens, especially women, face safety concerns in public spaces, and traditional reporting methods are often slow. This project provides a quick, technology-driven solution: with just one press of a button, a live alert is sent directly to the police control room.
But what exactly is the Pink Button Project, how does it work, and why is it being called a game-changer for public safety in Pakistan? Let’s explore in detail.
What is the KP Pink Button Project?
The Pink Button Project is a technology-based safety system launched in 2025 to improve law enforcement response in emergencies. These pink emergency buttons are installed in crowded public areas of Peshawar to help victims or witnesses report crimes instantly.
When pressed, the button transmits real-time video and audio to the police control room, allowing officers to verify the situation and respond immediately.
Key Goals of the Project:
- Prevent harassment and violence against women.
- Reduce street crimes by enabling fast reporting.
- Build public trust in law enforcement through visible action.
- Create safer marketplaces, bus stops, parks, and universities.
First Phase: Launch in Peshawar
According to official reports, the first phase of the project includes the installation of 68 pink emergency buttons across major public locations in Peshawar.
These locations have been carefully selected based on foot traffic and previous incident reports.
Table: Planned Locations for Pink Buttons in Peshawar
| Location Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Markets & Shopping Areas | Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Saddar | To protect women during shopping |
| Bus Stands & Terminals | Peshawar Bus Terminal, local stops | For safe commuting |
| Educational Institutions | Universities, girls’ colleges | Safety for female students |
| Public Parks | Jinnah Park, Wazir Bagh | Secure recreation spaces |
This rollout demonstrates the government’s focus on high-risk areas where women and general citizens often feel unsafe.
How Does the Pink Button Work?
The working system is simple yet powerful:
- Press the Button → Any citizen facing danger presses the installed pink button.
- Instant Transmission → Live video and voice feed is sent to the police control room.
- Real-time Monitoring → Officers assess the emergency immediately.
- Fast Response → Police dispatch the nearest team to the exact location.
Why is it Effective?
- Victims who cannot speak or call due to panic can still alert authorities.
- Helps reduce false reporting because video verification confirms the event.
- Cuts down response time, which is critical in preventing serious crimes.
Beyond Women’s Safety: A Facility for All
While the primary aim is to protect women from harassment, the Pink Button is open for everyone.
- Men can report robberies, assaults, or street fights.
- Shopkeepers can use it during theft or burglary attempts.
- Commuters can alert authorities about suspicious activity at bus stops.
This makes the project a comprehensive public safety tool, not limited to one gender.
The Need for Efficient Complaint Handling
The success of the KP Pink Button Project will not just depend on the technology but on how efficiently the police handle complaints.
Key Requirements for Success:
- Trained Officers → Control room staff must respond promptly and professionally.
- Clear Protocols → Emergency responses should be standardized.
- Regular Monitoring → Buttons must be tested frequently for reliability.
- Accountability → Response time should be publicly tracked to build trust.
If these measures are ignored, there’s a risk of the system losing credibility.
Public Response to the Pink Button Project
Civil society groups, women’s rights organizations, and Peshawar citizens have welcomed the initiative as a long-awaited solution.
- Women feel more confident about visiting markets and universities.
- Activists believe it sets an example for other provinces.
- Citizens hope the system will reduce not only harassment but also general street crime in KP.
Future Expansion Across KP
The KP government has plans to expand the Pink Button Project if the Peshawar pilot succeeds.
- Next Phase Cities: Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad, and D.I. Khan.
- Province-wide Safety Network: A connected emergency system across KP.
- Integration with Mobile Apps: Future plans include linking the button system with police mobile apps and CCTV cameras.
This expansion can make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the first province in Pakistan with a fully integrated tech-driven public safety network.
Comparison: Pink Button Project vs Traditional Emergency Reporting
| Feature | Pink Button Project | Traditional Reporting |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting Method | One-press physical button | Phone call or visit |
| Response Time | Instant (video verified) | Delayed (manual) |
| Victim Safety | No need to speak or call | Victim must explain |
| Police Verification | Live audio & video | Only verbal complaint |
| Accessibility | Installed in public locations | Requires mobile phone |
Clearly, the Pink Button Project is a faster and more secure system than traditional methods.
Potential Challenges
Like any project, the KP Pink Button initiative faces certain challenges:
- Maintenance issues if devices are not checked regularly.
- False alarms that could waste police resources.
- Limited coverage in remote rural areas.
- Public awareness gaps if citizens don’t know how to use the buttons.
The government must address these concerns to ensure long-term success.
FAQs about the KP Pink Button Project
Q1. What is the KP Pink Button Project?
It is a public safety initiative in Peshawar where emergency buttons send live alerts (video + audio) to police for faster action.
Q2. Who can use the Pink Button?
Though designed for women’s safety, any citizen facing danger or witnessing crime can use it.
Q3. How many buttons have been installed in Peshawar?
In the first phase, 68 buttons have been installed at high-traffic public locations.
Q4. Will the project expand to other cities?
Yes, the KP government plans to expand to Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad, and other cities if successful in Peshawar.
Q5. How does the system ensure quick police action?
It provides real-time video and audio to the control room, allowing immediate verification and dispatch of officers.
Conclusion
The KP Govt Pink Button Project in Peshawar 2025 is a powerful blend of technology and governance. By offering a one-press emergency alert system, it promises faster response times, better crime prevention, and more confidence for women and citizens in public spaces.
