Islamabad: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan, has inaugurated newly constructed model police stations in the merged districts of Bajaur, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, and Orakzai. The initiative signifies the successful completion of a project aimed at enhancing policing services in these regions.

According to Relief Web, the project was funded by the Government of Japan and executed by UNDP in partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police as part of UNDP Pakistan’s Rule of Law Programme. These model police stations are equipped with facilities designed to better serve the local communities. Key features include gender-responsive desks to address gender-based violence, areas for community-police meetings, and residential facilities accommodating police officers, including specific quarters for women officers.

Mr. Awal Khan, Additional Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, expressed gratitude to UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Japan for their contributions to enhancing police infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like Gender Desks and Model Police Stations in promoting public safety and empowering marginalized communities.

The project also focused on capacity building, developing 22 master trainers proficient in basic and specialized police functions, such as gender-responsive and community-based policing. It facilitated the training of 305 police officers, including 31 women officers, and formulated district police plans for seven districts, addressing their unique security challenges.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. WADA Mitsuhiro, emphasized the project’s role in enhancing police services through a gender-sensitive, participatory approach, aiming to bring long-term peace and stability to vulnerable communities.

Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, acknowledged the strong partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Government of Japan, underscoring the importance of bridging gaps in policing services to build safer communities and ensure equal access to security services for women, girls, and vulnerable groups.

The UNDP Rule of Law Programme continues to implement various interventions to bolster the security and justice sectors in Pakistan.