Virtual women police stations established in Lahore

Initiative will cater to complaints of violence, domestic abuse, harassment

LAHORE:

In an effort to enhance women's safety and accessibility to law enforcement, Virtual Women Police Stations (VWPS) have been inaugurated at 10 strategic locations across Lahore, including the office of DIG Operations.

Under the supervision of Lahore DIG Operations Ali Nasir Rizvi, the VWPS desks are set up at six divisional SPs’ offices, Dolphin Headquarters, Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh, and Police Station Race Course.

A dedicated staff at these stations will cater to female complainants, particularly victims of violence, domestic abuse, harassment, and psychological distress, ensuring their issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

During a meeting chaired by Lahore DIG Operations Ali Nasir Rizvi, various senior police officers discussed the operational modalities of these desks, emphasising the importance of their functionality and efficiency in providing assistance and justice to victims of gender-based violence.

Inspector General Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar highlighted the significance of these VWPS, aligning with the mission of "Protection at Doorstep."

Through the enhancement of women safety apps, Punjab Police Safety App, and Emergency Helpline 15, women will have easier access to police assistance from their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to police stations.

Dr Usman Anwar further directed police officers to ensure thorough checks of examination centres during upcoming board examinations, crackdown on criminal activities such as illegal kite flying and online sales, and bolster security measures for foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens, in the province.

Moreover, IG Punjab emphasised the importance of strengthening security arrangements for religious processions, congregations during the last decade of Ramazan, and completing Phase One of the Smart Safe Cities Authority within the designated timeline.

The meeting, conducted via video link, saw the participation of high-ranking police officials from various regions, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance public safety and security across Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.