The Punjab government and the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) announced the activation and expansion of the ‘Pink Button’ emergency response system in Rawalpindi on April 15.
The initiative, integrated with the Punjab Police 15 helpline and the Safe Cities central command, provides citizens with a direct link to emergency services at public locations and educational institutions.
Instant Alerts linked to Police and Control Centers
According to official details, the Pink Button system is directly connected to the Punjab Police emergency helpline 15 and the Safe Cities central command and control center. Once pressed, the system generates an automatic alert that is transmitted to the control room, prompting the immediate dispatch of the nearest police and rescue teams to the reported location.
Authorities highlighted that the system incorporates automatic location tracking, enabling rapid response and improving the chances of timely intervention in critical situations.
A spokesperson from the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) emphasized the system’s utility in scenarios where citizens may not have access to mobile phones or face network connectivity issues. In such cases, the Pink Button acts as an alternative and immediate means of contacting emergency services.
Strategic Installation Sites
Authorities are installing the buttons at high-traffic and sensitive locations, including:
- Major highways and public thoroughfares.
- Public gathering spaces.
- Educational institutions.
Installation in schools and colleges is now mandatory. The system is designed to address multiple emergency scenarios, including harassment, theft, medical crises, and reports of missing persons.
Focus on Women’s Safety in Educational Institutions
The expansion builds on earlier efforts by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority to improve safety in women’s educational institutions. Previously, PSCA initiated the installation of emergency panic buttons in girls’ colleges across Lahore, covering between 39 and 41 institutions in the initial phase.
These panic buttons are connected to a virtual women’s police station, allowing students to report emergencies instantly even without access to mobile phones. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s broader vision of enhancing campus security and empowering female students.
Officials indicated that the program will be expanded to more than 450 women’s colleges across Punjab. Alongside the emergency system, the provision of free Wi-Fi for educational purposes is also being introduced to create a safer and more supportive learning environment.
Authorities have urged citizens to make full use of the Pink Button facility and not hesitate to activate it during emergencies. With its integrated tracking and rapid response capabilities, the system is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding lives and improving overall public security across the province.