LAHORE: Multan Police on Thursday launched the “Pink Squad”, an all-female patrolling unit, to enhance security for women in public spaces including markets, bazaars, and other crowded areas during the Eid shopping season.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Multan Police Lines. SSP Operations Kamran Aamir Khan distributed 10 scooties and 10 bicycles among women police officers, empowering them to conduct mobile patrols across the city. The initiative aims to provide a visible and approachable security presence for women and children in public spaces.

The Pink Squad will focus on high-footfall zones such as Gardizi Market, Brand Road, Cantt Bazaar, Hussain Agahi and other bazaars.

Equipped with two-wheelers for mobility, the squad will ensure quick response to incidents of harassment, theft, or any criminal activity targeting women.

City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar emphasised that the Pink Squad is part of a broader strategy to create a women-friendly policing system. “The safety of women and children is our top priority. The Pink Squad will not only deter criminals but also encourage more women to report incidents without fear,” said CPO Dogar. “This initiative reflects our commitment to modern, gender-sensitive policing.”

He said that additional female officers will be deployed in crowded markets, working in coordination with the Pink Squad to ensure a safe shopping environment.

Local women shoppers and business owners have welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed step towards safer public spaces. “Seeing female officers patrolling the markets gives us confidence,” said Ayesha Malik, a university student. “We hope this will reduce harassment and make Multan more secure for women.”

The Pink Squad model would be expanded to other districts, with potential additions like dedicated helplines and self-defence awareness programmes for women.

Multan police also launched an initiative to eliminate beggary through Police Tahaffuz Markaz.

Earlier, Multan Police also launched a vigorous campaign to eliminate beggary. Police started arresting the beggars from busy roads and well-known shopping centres.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Chaudhry told Dawn that the beggars were housed at the Female Beggars Rehabilitation Centre, where a Skill Development Centre was established to teach women sewing and embroidery.

He said that steps were being taken to help the beggars to become responsible members of society.

Meanwhile, Layyah police also launched a Women’s Safety Squad to enhance women’s security. The initiative aims to provide a safe environment for women, particularly during the festive Eid shopping season.

Layyah District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Ali Waseem said the squad comprises exclusively female police officers tasked with ensuring women’s protection in crowded marketplaces. Additionally, police camps will be set up in key commercial areas, where female personnel will remain on duty to offer immediate assistance.

The squad will patrol markets on foot and motorbikes, maintaining a strong presence to deter any unlawful activity.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025