Islamabad Appoints First-Ever Woman SHO in History

In a historic milestone for Pakistani policing, Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz has been appointed as the first-ever female Station House Officer (SHO) at a general (men’s) police station in Islamabad, marking a significant step toward gender equality in law enforcement. Her posting at Phulgran Police Station comes amid a broader reshuffle aimed at enhancing public safety, accountability, and efficiency in the capital.

• Misbah Shehbaz becomes the first woman SHO in a men’s station in Islamabad’s history.

• The shake-up includes six SHO appointments across Islamabad, part of DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq’s reform initiative. 

• Appointments target improved crime control, public interaction, and police accountability.

• Four previously serving SHOs have been removed or suspended for failing to curb crime.

• DIG Tariq emphasizes combating gender discrimination and promoting merit-based leadership.

• Rank & Experience: A seasoned Sub-Inspector, she joined the police force in 2012. Previously led the Women Police Station in Islamabad.

• TNation’s Stats: Women represent just 3.2% of Pakistan’s police force, and 5.04% in Islamabad alone—reflecting long-standing gender imbalances.

• Historic Posting: Misbah’s assumption of command at Phulgran, a general station, challenges entrenched norms and sets a precedent

DIG Tariq emphasized that the reshuffle aims to:

• Strengthen crime management

• Improve police-public relations

• Foster accountability and operational effectiveness

• Promote merit-based progression across ranks

• Support and uplift women in leadership within law enforcement

UNODC & UN Women have called for gender-sensitive reforms in Pakistan’s police services. 

Female representation remains low: Only 3.2% nationwide (15,509 out of nearly 490,000), underlining structural barriers. 

Leadership roles for women remain rare—Misbah’s appointment could shift this tide.

In parallel, Kohsar Police carried out a major operation, arresting Kamran Masih, a key member of a gang targeting commercial centres in Islamabad. Recovered were stolen funds and illegal assets. A case has been registered, and proceedings have been initiated to ensure legal accountability.

• DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq stressed:
  “This initiative will continue, and more female officers will be allowed to lead police stations… It ends gender discrimination.” 

• Police sources confirmed Misbah’s appointment as a deliberate move to shift culture and improve effectiveness within the force.

Misbah’s role challenges stereotypes and empowers women in operational policing.

Greater female leadership can enhance responsiveness to gender-based violence and increase community trust.

Improved public safety and proactive policing are likely to bolster social confidence.

Sub-Inspector Misbah Shehbaz's historic appointment as Islamabad's first female SHO in a men’s police station represents a turning point in Pakistani law enforcement. Her leadership at Phulgran demonstrates a firm move towards gender equality and operational professionalism. Coupled with proactive crime control measures, the Islamabad Police’s recent reshuffle sets a positive precedent for inclusive and accountable policing.