Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Becomes First Province to Deploy Integrated 911 Emergency Helpline

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become the first province to launch an integrated 911 service to enable citizens in distress to reach out to first responders for help.

Testing of the Pakhtunkhwa Emergency Helpline (PHEL) 911 began in March this year. Project Director Rifaqat Khan reported that trials were successful and by June 15 the service had received 4.7 million calls, many of which were crank or unnecessary calls, during the inaugural ceremony.

The service was inaugurated by the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs, Tariq Saeed Marwat.

Also in attendance were the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Tribal Affairs, Ikramullah Khan, and the Chairman of the National Telecommunication Corporation, Maj‑Gen (ret) Ali Farhan.

Mr Marwat explained that the 911 project was originally initiated by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022 with plans for nationwide rollout, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but it was suspended in February 2024 for unspecified reasons.

He stated that KP is now the first province to provide a comprehensive, integrated helpline that also incorporates an SOS module, marking a significant advancement for its citizens.

Initially, the service will connect callers to police, Rescue 1122, domestic‑violence support units, tourist assistance, and natural‑hazard responders, with further integration of additional first‑responder services planned. “It will be available to all citizens of KP,” Mr Marwat said.

He urged residents to avoid prank calls so that those in genuine distress can access the service, emphasizing that doing so will save lives.

Project Director Rifaqat Khan confirmed that the 911 service will operate 24/7 for all KP residents, helping to save lives and restore public trust in government.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026

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