How many family members are you? Five sisters and two brothers. Us five sisters, we all work for different government offices. My brothers work in the business and engineering sectors. My husband is very supportive.
What did you want to do when you were younger? I have always wanted to become a pilot. But in 8th grade, my eyesight deteriorated so that I couldn’t follow that path. My father was a commerce department professor and inspired me, so I joined the teaching profession. I served as a lecturer and then applied post of sub-inspector. I was told I was selected for the role while giving a lecture.
Who inspires you? My elder sister, Asma Batool. She serves as Assistant Commissioner in Karachi. She motivated me and supported me to join the police.
What would surprise people to know about women working in law enforcement? I belong to a very conservative area (South Punjab). In my region, people are not very well educated, and their understanding of what law enforcement does is not very extensive. Many believe that female officers are flawed characters; that a woman should not do this job, I am the first female officer selected as a sub-inspector in direct Layyah of Punjab.
What are the main challenges for women working in the criminal justice sector in Pakistan? When I joined the force, the environment was very conservative. I received messages from different officers. I wore the uniform appropriately, but people still said I was bold and fashionable. If I didn't wear a headscarf, I was accused of being characterless. I ignored the naysayers, and now I am the most senior female officer, proving my skills through my work. Raising awareness that policing can be done by women takes time. We should organize seminars to provide an understanding of how to join. We need more women in the force, as female victims tend to be more comfortable with women.
What impact do you believe your presence has had on other women? Through my joining, I have motivated other women to join the police. When I am on duty, women take pictures with me and ask about the police, the challenges, how to apply, and how to serve. I always provide them with positive guidance and create a positive image for my department. I have opened the door for others. Recently, five sub-inspectors joined and requested training from me. They are now assigned to me, and I teach them about investigations, cases of rape, preserving crime scenes, collecting evidence, and more
What are your main takeaways from UNODC training and coaching you participated in? Before the training, I had no concept of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and nobody in our department was informed about these issues. When I joined the UN sessions, I expressed my lack of experience to the UN team. However, over the last two years, I have learned a lot. After the training, I was able to apply my skills and knowledge. I am proud to be the first female officer in my district to be trained on all aspects of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. I have been logging FIRs under the relevant acts and register them every month. I am responsible for six out of the eight police stations in my district as the Station House Officer, which also makes me the first female appointed to this role in my district. I have implemented various techniques and concepts learned during the training, including conducting thorough investigations and utilizing OSINT. The most significant takeaway for me has been the victim-centered approach, which was new to me. This training has changed my perception and now I use a more constructive approach based on building trust. I am always delighted when junior colleagues seek my advice on trafficking, smuggling, or related crime investigations."
What inspired you the most from the coaching offered by UNODC? I take immense pride in being part of the coaching group. Prior to the training, I was limited by my geographical area and conservative attitudes. I had no knowledge about human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The sessions that I found particularly beneficial were the ones on victim-centered approach, evidence collection, and communication. The UNODC training has not only helped me develop my personality but also enhanced my investigative techniques. I am proud to be able to apply what I have learned in the field. Previously, many officers didn't know how to register cases properly, but now we do it right.
What advice do you have for women seeking a career in the police? I would encourage any woman aspiring to join a law enforcement agency to pursue their goal. Prove yourself, challenge gender discrimination, and demonstrate that women can excel in this field just as well as men. With the increasing crime against women, there is a crucial need for more female officers. Your presence and contributions can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of women in our society.
