LARKANA: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Saturday held two workshops — one in Larkana district and the other in Qambar-Shahdadkot district — aimed at honing the professional skills of 32 police officers including SHOs, inspectors, investigation officers, SIPs, ASIs, and WHCs, as well as those posted at women and children complaint cells.
The training imparted by the SHRC focused on strengthening police officers’ practical command of key statutes concerning child protection, gender-based violence and criminal procedure, according to a press release issued by the commission.
Chairing the sessions, SHRC chairman Iqbal Ahmed Detho stressed the urgency of continuous professional training of police department in each district of Sindh. “By sharpening legal literacy today, we safeguard rights of children, women and minorities tomorrow,” he said.
He explained the Domestic Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act,2013 along with its rules; and the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act,2013 along with its rules and the amendments made in 2016. He said that every section of a progressive law remains only on paper until the frontline investigator knew how and when to invoke it.
SHRC holds capacity building workshops for 32 police officers
Equipping our police with a clear grasp of rights-based laws is the fastest route to justice for Sindh’s most vulnerable citizens, according to him.
Detho gave the participants insights into special laws related to women and children, stressing the importance of capacity building for police officers to ensure effective law enforcement. He emphasised that “police force’s effective and positive presence in society is a testament to the state’s strength, inspiring a sense of trust and cooperation among citizens”.
He led an engaging session where participants shared their on-the-job challenges. In an open discussion, he clarified misconceptions and misunderstandings about legal provisions.
Barrister Aashir Masood Mahar, conducted a comprehensive training session on special laws pertaining to women and children, including Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018; Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013, the laws and procedure on offence of rape, domestic violence and human trafficking. He also dealt upon detailing the duties and responsibilities of police officers in safeguarding citizens’ rights. He highlighted common mistakes police officers make in court, compromising their cases.
Qamber-Shahdadkot Deputy Commissioner Imdad Ali Abro, Larkana Deputy Commissioner WajahatGhafoor, ADC-II Imran Gohar Chandio and Ratodero ASP MohammadAli attended the sessions and joined the certificate distribution ceremony along with the SHRC chairman.
Speaking to the participants, they reaffirmed their full cooperation in ensuring protection of citizens’ rights. They appreciated the role of SHRC in holding the workshops at district level.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025