BAJAUR – In a landmark move, the Bajaur Police have begun wearing official uniforms for the first time in the district’s history — a step hailed as a major milestone in strengthening public trust and professionalizing the local police force.
The initiative, implemented last week, was spearheaded by District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafique, who took swift action to resolve the long-standing issue. Previously, Bajaur Police officers did not consistently wear uniforms, leading to confusion about their identity and weakening public confidence in law enforcement.
The introduction of official uniforms has been widely welcomed by the community and civil society, who view it as a meaningful step toward police reform and improved governance. Local residents say the move will help clearly distinguish police personnel, improve accountability, and foster better communication between officers and citizens.
“This simple yet powerful change gives us more confidence in the police,” said a local resident. “Now we know who is enforcing the law, and it feels more structured and reliable.”
The decision comes as part of broader reforms following the merger of the former tribal areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Since the merger, several administrative and policing reforms have been gradually rolled out to bring the region in line with the provincial legal and governance framework.
The adoption of official police uniforms in Bajaur is seen as a key step in this transition — not only symbolizing the rule of law but also reinforcing the state’s presence in the newly integrated district.
