Matrix Special
In this interview with Matrix, Assistant Superintendent of Islamabad Police, Aamna Baig shares a comprehensive account of the legal services on offer for female litigants. Aamna is a young police officer who joined the police service by excelling competitive exams, she isn’t only a police officer but is also heading the Gender Protection Unit, an initiative to facilitate women in their fight against injustices. She throws light upon the initiatives taken by the Police Service of Pakistan to ensure uniform provision of justice to all members of the society without any discrimination on the basis of gender. ASP Aamna Baig also urges women to reach out to Police and file their complaints, as reporting is the first rung I the ladder of access to justice. Below excerpts from the interview:
Matrix: How can a common Pakistani woman, reach out to the police in case of breach of her security, is the process easy and transparent?
ASP Aamna Baig: The police stations in the country are as much open for women as they are for men. Every police station across the country has at least one female officer deployed, which can be consulted if women litigants aren’t comfortable in dealing with male police officers. The same holds for the rescue helpline 15, if the woman calling isn’t comfortable in sharing with the male police officer, she can definitely ask for a lady police officer and your call will be transferred to a lady police officer.
Matrix: Pakistan has only 19 women police stations as of now, that too unevenly distributed along the length and width of the country, is increasing this number on the police reforms agenda?
ASP Aamna Baig: Pakistan has around 19 women police stations, in addition to increasing the number of police stations, smaller units like walk-in facility or an online helpline facility can help in encouraging women to reach out to the police, as such initiatives will help in overcoming the psychological barrier associated with women visiting police stations.
Matrix: Will increasing the number of women police stations help in countering the increasing anti-women practices in the country?
ASP Aamna Baig: I think increasing the number of women in the police department is absolutely necessary. Only 1.6 percent of the total 100 million women in Pakistan are serving in the Police department. We must keep in mind that most of the Pakistani women face gender-based domestic and sexual violence and harassment. So, most of the complaints coming from the women are related to these issues and women aren’t comfortable sharing their complaints with a male police officer. Increasing the number of women in police will encourage women to come forward and not only talk about their issues but also register complaints against such abuses. According to a report by UN Women, only 2 percent of the women who face violence in Pakistan seek legal help. Which means that the rest of 98 percent are not seeking help and are unable to get access to justice. By spreading awareness, taking sustainable initiatives, and easing access to justice more women will come forward and take legal action against these crimes committed against them.
Matrix: With the crimes against women constantly increasing in the country, do you think the gender protection unit has played its due role effectively?
ASP Aamna Baig: IG Islamabad police has a vision to prioritize gender issues and to facilitate women seeking legal aid from the police. In efforts to materialize his vision, a Gender Protection Unity (GPU) was established and established in Islamabad. It is a 24-hour helpline for women where they’re dealt by female police officers. In the three months since its inception, the GPU received 550 complaints which were all entertained. Out of the 550 complaints received, around 300 complaints were received at the helpline facility and around 200 complaints at the walk-in facility. Most of the complaints have been resolved and a few of them are under process. We received an 87 percent positive feedback from the complainants. Anyone can avail the GPU’s services by simply calling 8090.
Matrix: How to eliminate the societal barriers that restrict women from seeking help from the police in case of any misfortunate happening?
ASP Aamna Baig: To eliminate and overcome the social and cultural barriers everyone must play their role in raising awareness and portraying a positive image of the police department. The development and progress of a country depends upon the justice provided and equal access to justice. These barriers can be eliminated by making people understand the importance of seeking justice. Social, electronic, and print media can play a key role in this regard.
Matrix: What is your message to Pakistani women stepping outside their houses to play their role in national development despite the security crisis?
ASP Aamna Baig: First of all, women should not bow down to the cultural restrictions that stop them from seeking their rights e.g., reporting in case of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence etc. It is extremely important for women to get access to justice when their constitutional rights are violated. Moreover, women should be confident. Today’s generation is much more aware of their rights and responsibilities than the previous generations. Since the state guarantees equal rights to women, women should not only know their rights but also ask for them. Police is a friend which will stand by women through thick and thin, only when women interact with police then they will know that the police are doing a lot to keep women safe and secure.
