MANSEHRA: Police have established a women-only squad to take prompt action against crimes committed against women and girls in the district.

Speaking at a press conference at his office here on Friday, District Police Officer Mohammad Waqas Khan said squad members could also hear women’s complaints, as they couldn’t disclose their ordeals to the male officers due to social barriers.

He said women desks had also been established at his office and police stations across the district to address gender-based violence, harassment and other crimes, and ensure the speedy redressal of complaints lodged by women.

He said policewomen had been deputed to these desks.

He said Hazara Deputy Inspector General of Police Jehanzeb Nazeer Khan had taken the initiative to curb crimes against women.

He said the district had been divided into zones and circles, adding that women officers had been deployed to hear and address complaints in remote and far-flung areas.

The DPO said a special landline number, 0997300314, had also been made operational to enable women to seek immediate assistance and prompt police action.

He said women who could not visit the complaint desks could contact the female officers for prompt police assistance in emergencies through the phone number.

“We want to end crimes, including gender-based violence, harassment and domestic violence, against women and girls. If they cannot visit a police station because of social barriers or other reasons, they can call us from their homes, and the police will provide them with all possible assistance,” Mr Khan said.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2026