Women are also joining the force that specialises in countering terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) in Islamabad was made operational in January with about 386 personnel, including 23 women.

The CTF was established under the National Action Plan (NAP) with the strength of 970 officials. Out of these posts, 76 are reserved for women. In the first batch, 23 women officials, including an assistant sub-inspector, were imparted training while another batch of 25 women is undergoing training and will join the force soon.

Women got the same training which was imparted to their male colleagues except for sniper training. They were trained on how to deal with violent extremism, sectarianism, militancy and terrorism.

Besides, they also got specialised training from the Elite Training School Bedian and the Special Services Group (SSG) as well as from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Academy on intelligence gathering.

Like their male counterparts, they are equipped with weapons such as a sub-machinegun and a pistol, a dagger along with body armour when deployed either on security duty or action/raid.

The women officials participated in security duties on last Ashura and on Pakistan Day this year. Besides, they are also deputed to guard diplomats and foreign dignitaries. They also took part in search operations conducted by the police along with Rangers and other security agencies.

Some of the officials told Dawn that they joined the force of their free will. Most of them came from families which had a police service background.

“There is nothing uncomfortable in wearing the uniform. The scarf has been made a part of the uniform and we are comfortable with it,” one of the trainee said.

The women officials said they got training with their male colleagues and gave them a tough time during competitions, including race and physical fighting. They said the training helped them a lot in dealing with all types of people.

“We have the necessary training required to deal with all types of people, including criminal and terror elements,” ASI Shakeela Alam told Dawn.

Most of the women officials Dawn spoke to said people saw in them the soft image of the police.

“People, especially women, appreciate us and say our joining of the force will serve as an inspiration for the young generation,” they said, adding, “many girls had sought details from them about the procedure for joining the force, especially the CTF.”

“Many women and girls talk to us when they see us on duty and say that they admired us,” a woman CTF official said.

Most of the women officials hail from the rural of areas of the country. Talking about the response of the villagers, they said: “We are getting more importance in our families since we joined the force. The villagers like to see us in uniform.” They also said girls in their villages were also willing to join the force.

SSP Counter-Terrorism Force Amin Bukhari told Dawn that they were getting a positive response from women aspirants, including those already serving in the police department.

“We have been receiving numerous applications from women who are keen to join the force,” he said, adding that CTF is providing a healthy working environment to women which is why they are applying in such large number.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2018