Female police officers will now be the first to reach the scene when crimes against women and children are reported in Lahore, under a pilot project launched by the Punjab Police.
Police officials said the Inspector General of Punjab has approved the establishment of a Women Police First Response Unit in the provincial capital. Calls received on the Police Helpline 15 about such incidents will be directed to the unit for immediate action.
The specialized teams of the unit will respond to cases of sexual violence, other crimes against women and children, and emergency complaints. Officials said the teams will focus on resolving women-related issues at the scene and providing victims with appropriate police assistance.
Female officers and personnel will be deployed to the unit, and Lahore Police will be given 22 mobile vehicles for its operations. Police officials said the aim of the project is to ensure victims receive a prompt and sensitive police response.