Islamabad police appointed their first-ever female Station House Officer (SHO), marking a historic milestone in the city’s law enforcement. The move signals growing efforts to enhance gender representation and build trust in policing among women.

The newly appointed female SHO is expected to lead a regular police station—bringing the number of senior female officers in Islamabad to a meaningful level. Until now, women were typically assigned to help desks or women-only police stations, but this marks the first time a woman will head a mainstream station—a significant step toward broader inclusion.

The appointment aligns with broader provincial and national policies encouraging female leadership in policing. In Punjab, for example, a mandate from early 2023 requires every district to have at least one female SHO . Similar strides have been made in other major cities, including Lahore, Peshawar, and Khanewal, which have seen women appointed as SHOs in recent years .

Experts believe that placing women in these roles has multiple benefits: it encourages more female victims to come forward, improves response to gender-based crimes, and demonstrates a commitment to gender equality within the police force.

Challenges still remain. Women constitute only a small fraction—around 1.5%—of Pakistan’s overall police force , and cultural barriers continue to hamper broader inclusion. Reliable enforcement of existing mandates and additional institutional reforms will be key to sustaining this momentum.

Islamabad’s new appointment sets a significant precedent, and all eyes are now on the performance and public reception of this pioneering female SHO. Many hope this milestone will pave the way for greater female participation and leadership in the country’s law enforcement agencies.

Source: 24/7