In a significant development aimed at enhancing citizen-focused policing in Pakistan and empowering women in law enforcement, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker launched the ‘Pasban Awam Saath Saath’ Program in Islamabad on December 5.
The initiative, a collaboration between Pakistan’s civilian security agencies, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the U.S. Embassy, is designed to empower women in law enforcement and strengthen community ties.
The program focuses on increasing the representation of women in policing, providing specialized training, and establishing systems for greater public accountability. Addressing the attendees, Baker expressed her pride in the transformative partnership, emphasizing that the initiative marks a new chapter in the shared pursuit of justice and equality.
“Together, we are making history by empowering women in law enforcement and fostering a new era of citizen-focused policing in Pakistan,” said Baker. “The United States stands steadfast with Pakistan in building a future where women in law enforcement are not just participants but leaders. That is our shared commitment. Together, we aim to create a civilian security sector that reflects our shared values of equality, justice, and peace.”
Key Achievements of the Program
Since its inception, the Pasban Awam Saath Saath Program has achieved notable milestones.
- In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, the representation of women officers has risen by 20% and 25%, respectively.
- In Punjab, over 1,600 women and 70 transgender officers have received trauma-informed policing training, enabling them to better address the needs of marginalized communities, including the transgender population. This training has led to the successful resolution of 1,500 cases involving transgender individuals, ensuring they receive justice.
- In KP, the Public Complaint Redressal System has already handled more than 50,000 complaints across 35 districts, significantly improving the relationship between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Focus on Gender-Based Violence
The launch of the program coincides with the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Baker highlighted the broader efforts of the U.S. government to support gender equality in Pakistan, particularly in law enforcement.
In addition to the Pasban Awam Saath Saath Program, the U.S. Embassy has supported a series of initiatives to improve the safety and security of women and girls, Baker stated. These include the establishment of anti-rape crisis cells, gender desks at police stations, and a case tracker for gender-based violence (GBV) that helps expedite justice for survivors.
These programs have yielded impactful results. In KP, for example, the establishment of gender desks led to a 60% increase in reported crimes by women and girls, a clear indication that women feel safer and more confident in reporting violence.
Honoring Women Police Leaders
Baker also took a moment to acknowledge the trailblazing women officers in Pakistan’s law enforcement community.
Senior Superintendent Riffat Bokhari, who received the Excellence in Performance Award at the International Association of Women Police Conference in Chicago, and Superintendent Beenish Fatima, who was honored with the 40 Under 40 Award at the International Chiefs of Police Conference in Boston, were singled out for their exceptional leadership.
“Your courage moves us, your commitment inspires us, and your sacrifices humble us,” Baker remarked, paying tribute to these officers and their groundbreaking contributions to policing in Pakistan.
The Pasban Awam Saath Saath Program is part of the United States’ broader commitment to supporting gender equality, peace, and security in Pakistan. The U.S. Embassy has been instrumental in facilitating training, policy reform, and community engagement efforts that have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive policing system in Pakistan.
“To the champions of women in policing, know this: you are not alone. The United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you in advancing peace, security, and justice for every Pakistani citizen,” said Baker, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to supporting women leaders in law enforcement.
The event also saw the participation of key Pakistani law enforcement officials, civil society leaders, and parliamentarians, all of whom have been instrumental in the program’s success.
The launch of the Pasban Awam Saath Saath Program marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to reform its policing system and ensure that law enforcement agencies better reflect the country’s values of equality, justice, and peace. As the program continues to expand, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive, effective, and citizen-centric policing framework in Pakistan.