Islamabad: In a significant move towards gender equality in law enforcement, the Balochistan Police has established the country’s first-ever all-women anti-riot unit.
The squad, comprising 40 highly trained female officers, has been formed to respond to protests and maintain the law and order situation in the province.
The female officers in the unit have received specialised training in crowd management, de-escalation tactics, and the use of non-lethal force.
Equipped with modern anti-riot gear and tools, they will work alongside other law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and law and order, according to the police department.
During the pass-out ceremony for women cadets at the police lines headquarters, Inspector General of Police Balochistan Abdul Khalique Shaikh congratulated the officers and lauded the all-female anti-riot unit as a “trailblazing initiative” and the “first of its kind” in the country.
He noted that this unit, which is yet to be deployed in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar, was first launched in Quetta. He said the unit will be expanded to the division and district levels.
The police chief advised women officers to “adopt a minimum use of force during their duties and not to take any personal offence,” during protests.
A statement issued by the Balochistan Police said that the establishment of the all-women unit aims to promote diversity and inclusion in law enforcement and provide women with equal opportunities to serve in critical operational roles.
DIG Azfar Mehsar termed the establishment of the unit as a “significant step” towards empowering women and challenging gender stereotypes in law enforcement.
The unit is expected to begin operations in the coming weeks, and its members have expressed their commitment to carry out their duties with professionalism and dedication.
