Islamabad:US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Thursday reaffirmed America's unwavering support for Pakistan in fostering a future where women in law enforcement play not only a role but a leadership role.
"That is our shared commitment. Together, we aim to create a civilian security sector that reflects our shared values of equality, justice, and peace," Baker told the launch event for the US-funded police-community initiative ‘Pasban Awam Saath Saath’ Programme, which seeks to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
She said the US collaboration increased the women's representation in law enforcement by 20 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 25 percent in Balochistan, led to the training of over 1,600 women and 70 transgender officers in Punjab in trauma-informed policing, and resolution of over 50,000 complaints across 35 KP districts through the Public Complaint Redressal System, bridging gaps between citizens and the police.
"These are not just numbers; they represent lives changed, communities strengthened, and trust rebuilt," she said. The US chargé d'affaires said not only had the Police–Community Together Programme advanced gender equality within law enforcement, but it had also supported the establishment of model police stations with gender desks led by women officers.
She added that those efforts had already shown transformative results, with a 60 per cent increase in crimes reported by women and girls in KP, while the creation of five anti-rape crisis cells across the country offered comprehensive services including legal support and forensic services for survivors.
Baker also said a successful partnership with the Asia Foundation and the Punjab prosecution department led to the launch of a gender-based violence case tracker, designed to streamline the handling of such cases.
She said the programme had been so successful that it had been expanded to Sindh and KP. The US chargé d'affaires also recognised the achievements of individual women in Pakistan’s police force, saying SSP Riffat Bokhari, who received the Excellence in Performance Award at the International Association of Women Police Conference in Chicago earlier this year, and SP Beenish Fatima, who won the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award at the International Chiefs of Police Conference in Boston, were shining examples of leadership and courage.
She said those remarkable women were not just breaking barriers—they were redefining what it meant to lead with integrity, courage, and empathy. "The courage of Pakistan’s women police officers has not only transformed their communities but also earned global recognition. We [the US] are proud to have supported many women police delegations to international conferences over the last years," she said.
Baker praised the women police officers in attendance, acknowledging their role as “the backbone” of the changes taking place within Pakistan’s law enforcement. "You are icons to your nations. Every time you put on your uniform, you answer a call not everyone dares to take—it is a call to serve, to protect, and to inspire. Despite the risks, you stand firm. Your courage moves us, your commitment inspires us, and your sacrifices humble us. On behalf of the United States, we honour your service and pledge to continue supporting women leaders in law enforcement," she said.
The US chargé d'affaires reiterated her country's commitment to supporting women leaders in law enforcement and advancing justice for all Pakistani citizens. “The United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you in advancing peace, security, and justice for every Pakistani citizen,” she told policewomen.