Equal opportunities provided to policewomen: IGP

LAHORE:Inspector General Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has said that Punjab Police is providing safe working environment, modern facilities, and equal opportunities for career growth to women serving in Punjab Police.

IG Punjab said that the Punjab Police is ensuring protection to all women, including working ladies, students and women in homes (in case of violence, sexual abuse and harassment etc.) and vulnerable sections of the society through Police Tahaffuz marakaz. Dr Usman Anwar said that 39 Transgender Victim Support Officers were posted in Tahaffuz marakaz across the province, who have provided help to nearly 20,000 transgender, women, and other vulnerable citizens.

He said that various measures, including women safety App and help desks were established to help the women facing harassment at home and workplace.

He expressed these views during a meeting with the delegation of United Nations Women's Mission at the Central Police Office. The delegation included UN Women's representative in Pakistan Ramzani Sharmila Rasool, Partnership and Communication Specialist Nabila Malik.

During the meeting, women empowerment, women's protection, character development, laws and policy-making were discussed according to the mandate of the UN Mission, UN Women Country Representative Ramzani Sharmila Rasool said that there was a significant increase in the representation of women in the Punjab Police, and the provision of modern facilities to women officers are welcoming.

IGP presented Punjab Police souvenir to UN Women representative Ramzani Sharmila Rasool. Meanwhile, IGP presided over a meeting to review the performance of the Tahaffuz Markaz at the Central Police Office, in which IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar reviewed the performance of Tahaffuz Markaz Multan. IG Punjab met the staff of Markaz, citizens, children and transgender who got help from Police.

Namreen Munir DSP Focal Person Tahaffuz Markaz Multan while giving a briefing said that Police Tahaffuz Markaz Multan has provided social protection to 183 people so far. Tahaffuz markaz signed MOUs with various NGOs and government departments, it helped 54 transgenders, 19 special persons with mental and physical disabilities. Dr Usman Anwar appreciated the performance of Tahaffuz markaz Multan and directed to increase the scope further.

Meanwhile, IGP met with Constable Shahid Jutt at the Central Police Office. He is recovering from mental illness. IG Punjab inquired after Shahid Jutt's well-being, treatment and duty. Three sons and daughter of Shahid Jutt were also present in the meeting. Shahid Jutt thanked the IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar for providing the best treatment.

Police helpline receives over 2m calls this year

Over two million calls have been made to the police for help during the ongoing year, said the spokesperson for Punjab Safe Cities Authority.

Of the total, 20 per cent were related to women. Help was extended to women in cases of domestic violence, harassment, and property disputes. The majority of Emergency 15 calls from women were received from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. Over 12,000 calls and over 16,000 messages have been assisted through the Women Safety App.

Over 300,000 women have installed the Punjab Police Women Safety App. Punjab Police is working on priority grounds to empower women. The spokesperson for Punjab Safe Cities Authority further mentioned that 20% of women officers are working in Safe City, equipped with facilities like Day Care Centre and Transport.