The Daily Struggles of Women Police Officers in Twin Cities 

 Zia Ur Rahman

Islamabad: For many women police officers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the end of an official duty does not mean the end of the day. 

Their shift often begins much earlier — at home, before sunrise — preparing breakfast, sending children to school, finishing household chores, and then continues with another challenge: reaching duty points on time and returning home without reliable transport.

Outside Rawalpindi’s Sadiqabad Police Station, a woman constable waves at passing vehicles after completing her duty. 

But the city’s public transport has stopped due to protest rallies. No bus, no van, not even a rickshaw halts. Motorcyclists ride past without a glance.

At home, her three children wait, hungry and tired. “I still have to knead the flour, cook for my kids, and serve my husband. But first, I need to reach home — and that itself feels impossible,” she says with weary eyes.

Across Pakistan, women in the police are performing double duties. At home, they are mothers, wives, and homemakers. On the streets, they are officers responsible for maintaining law and order. Yet, unlike their male colleagues, they have no dependable transport to take them to and from work.

A woman officer posted at the Police Helpline 15 Office in Islamabad shared her daily ordeal.

“Every morning during rush hours, I wait endlessly for a wagon or bus. If I am late, I face punishment. But nobody asks how we manage to reach duty every day — and returning home is equally tough,” she told APP.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/quarrel-over-meal-ends-in-murder-suicide-at-islamabad/

Another constable from Sanam Chowk, Khanna Pul, explained how she often walks long stretches daily.

“After finishing household chores, I leave for duty. On my way back, I buy vegetables and groceries. Carrying heavy bags after a full day of work is exhausting, but I rush home because my children are waiting,” she said.

For women assigned to checkpoints or VIP security, the struggle becomes even more difficult. After standing for long hours under the scorching sun, they must spend more hours searching for a ride.

“One colleague may drop me halfway, but my home is still far. Getting inside my street is always a struggle,” said a young policewoman.

A senior female officer of Islamabad Police said that women personnel also lack a formal platform to voice their grievances.

“There is no union or association to represent us within the department. That’s why our problems — especially transport — remain unheard,” she noted.

When contacted, a senior police official acknowledged the challenge but said that some limited facilities are in place.

“We do run shuttle services — one in the morning and one in the evening — which pick and drop women police officers along main roads. But this helps only those living on those routes and working fixed office hours. For special duties like Muharram processions, rallies, or protest deployments, they have to manage on their own,” he explained.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/court-rejects-bail-of-graveyard-officials-in-sidra-case/

According to cautious estimates, Islamabad Police employs around 500 women officers serving in various capacities. Despite their growing presence and commitment, many continue to struggle daily simply to reach duty points and return home.

For these officers, transport is not just a logistical issue — it is about dignity, safety, and precious time with their families. Many feel “abandoned by the system they serve,” pointing out that while men often arrange shared rides, women are left to find their own way.

Yet, despite all hardships, their sense of duty remains unshaken.

“We serve with pride,” said one officer softly. “But please — give us a way to reach work and return home safely.”