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In a significant stride toward gender inclusivity within Pakistan’s law enforcement, Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz has made history by becoming the first woman appointed as Station House Officer (SHO) of a male police station in Islamabad. She will now serve as the SHO of Phulgran Police Station, a move being widely recognized as a progressive shift in policing culture in the federal capital.
This milestone appointment is part of an ongoing initiative led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muhammad Jawad Tariq, aimed at fostering diversity, enhancing departmental performance, and eliminating gender-based discrimination in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police.
Leadership Reshuffle Across Islamabad Police Stations
Along with Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz’s historic elevation, the ICT Police has also carried out a broader reshuffling of Station House Officers in multiple precincts. The following appointments were confirmed:
- Alamgir Khan – SHO Koral
- Zahid Shah – SHO Loi Bher
- Shahnawaz – SHO Shams Colony
- Mansabdar – SHO Nilore
- Basreen Akhtar – Incharge, Women Police Station
This reshuffle came after the removal of the previous SHOs in Koral, Phulgran, Shams Colony, and Loi Bher—namely Rizwan Gondal, Abdul Hameed, Khalid Mehmood, and Muhammad Saleem, respectively.
DIG Jawad Tariq: Committed to Inclusion and Performance
Speaking about the changes, DIG Jawad Tariq emphasized that the reshuffle is intended to:
- Improve overall performance and accountability
- Provide leadership opportunities to competent women officers
- Create a more inclusive, merit-based structure within the police force
“The appointment of Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz reflects our commitment to breaking stereotypes and offering equal leadership opportunities to women in law enforcement,” said DIG Tariq.
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He added that the ICT Police is working to set a national precedent for gender parity, with plans to introduce further measures to promote inclusion across departments.
A Symbol of Change in Pakistani Law Enforcement
Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz’s appointment is being hailed by rights groups and civil society as a milestone for gender representation in Pakistan’s security institutions. It challenges long-held norms in a traditionally male-dominated field and sends a clear message that leadership roles are accessible to all, regardless of gender.
Observers hope this bold move will inspire other law enforcement agencies across Pakistan to follow suit by empowering qualified women officers and ensuring they have equal access to leadership roles.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Inclusive Policing
The Islamabad Police’s latest leadership appointments signify more than administrative changes—they mark the beginning of a new era in policing, where inclusion, accountability, and performance are valued above tradition and hierarchy.
With Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz at the helm of Phulgran Police Station, the force has taken a concrete step toward redefining the landscape of law enforcement in Pakistan.
