KHYBER: The Khyber district police have appointed Mahak Parvez Masih as the Additional Station House Officer (SHO) of Landikotal police station, marking the first time a woman has held the key position in the district police.
The initiative, spearheaded by District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas Kulachi, represents a significant step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region.
Mehak Pervez Masih termed her appointment as good omen in the tribal culture. She said they would work for the betterment of women and help those women who need moral, social and legal assistance.
“I would use my legal powers as police officer to protect women and ensure their constitutional and basic rights given them by religion”, Mehak told The Daily Vendor.
Mehak Pervez Masih, assistant subinspector, is the first female police officer in the history of the district that a woman has been assigned to such a position, setting a new precedent for female representation in law enforcement within the tribal areas.
She said the prime objective of her appointment as additional station house officer was to empower women and provide them a friendly environment at police station where they could address their problems.
She said the initiative aims to break down traditional barriers and challenge societal norms that have historically limited women’s roles in these areas.
The appointment, directed by District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas Kulachi, is part of a broader initiative to empower women and ensure their active participation in various sectors of society, including law enforcement.
DPO Kulachi emphasized that the aim was to provide women with equal opportunities and to create an environment where they can perform their duties without fear or hesitation.
DPO said Mahak Parvez Masih’s appointment was seen as a significant step towards encouraging and supporting women in the tribal areas. He added that by holding a key position in the police force, Mehak would serve as a role model and inspire countless other women to pursue careers in law enforcement and other fields.
Salim Abbas Kulachi said the primary objective of appointing a female additional SHO was to ensure better access to justice for women in the district. He said women in tribal areas often face unique challenges and may feel more comfortable discussing their issues with a female officer.
Mahak Parvez Masih, being a local herself from christian community, is expected to understand and empathize with the concerns of the community’s women, ensuring their problems are addressed more effectively.
Over the past year, the establishment of a women’s desk at the Bara police station has successfully resolved numerous issues faced by tribal women.
The appointment of Mahak Parvez Masih on the key police force postion was a continuation of these efforts, providing a dedicated resource for women to seek help and justice.
DPO Kulachi said that the initiative was not just about appointing a woman to a key position but also about creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all women in the police force. He said the move was expected to pave the way for more women to join the police force and contribute to maintaining law and order in the region.
The Khyber district police’s decision to appoint a female police officer reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It acknowledges the critical role women can play in law enforcement and community service, ensuring that they have the necessary support and opportunities to excel in their careers.
Mehak femaly member and former member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliament Wilson Wazir Masih said that Mahak Parvez Masih’s historic appointment was a beacon of hope and progress for the women of the Khyber district, demonstrating that with determination and support, they can achieve great heights and contribute significantly to their communities.
Wilson said this groundbreaking move was expected to have a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of women to pursue their dreams and break through societal barriers.
Opposing the female pokice officer in Landikotal Pakisfan People’s Partiy(PPP) senior leader Hazrst Wali Afridi and other local elders in social media messages said that they would take up the female police officers’ appointments in tribal district Khyber at all forums. Hazrat Wali Afridi said it was against the Islam and Pashtun culture also not allow women to lead. He said soon they would call a grand jirga of tribal elders and political parties to peotest the female police officers’ appointments in Khyber.
