The Punjab government has stopped several female police officers from attending an international conference in Bali despite approval from the Prime Minister.
The decision has prompted the Punjab Police to approach the Ministry of Interior over the restriction.
The 63rd International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conference was scheduled to take place in Bali. Police officers from different provinces were selected to represent Pakistan at the international event.
Punjab Officers Denied Permission
Following approval from the Prime Minister, the National Police Bureau selected police officers for participation in the conference.
The expenses for the selected officers were reportedly being covered through the American IL programme.
However, the Punjab government refused to allow its female police officers to travel to Bali.
Officials cited the officers’ ongoing official duties as the reason for not permitting their participation.
The decision has raised questions because the officers had reportedly been selected after obtaining approval at the federal level.
Female Officers Among Selected Participants
Several senior female police officers from Punjab were among those seeking permission to attend the international conference.
They included SSP Amara Athar, SP Zainab Ayub, SP Binish Fatima and SP Ayesha Butt.
Female police officers from other regions also sought permission to participate.
Islamabad Police SP Kainat Azhar was among the officers selected, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police officers SP Resham Jahangir and SP Sehr Bano Naqvi also sought permission.
Punjab Police Approaches Interior Ministry
Following the Punjab government’s decision, the Punjab Police has written to the Ministry of Interior regarding the restriction.
The correspondence seeks clarification over the decision and the participation of the selected female officers.
The IAWP conference provides an international platform for women working in law enforcement to exchange professional experiences, discuss policing challenges and strengthen cooperation.
The restriction has therefore drawn attention to the participation of Pakistani female police officers in international professional forums.
Further developments are expected after the Ministry of Interior reviews the matter and responds to the Punjab Police.
