Quetta, In a significant boost to law enforcement training and infrastructure in Balochistan, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, visited the Police Training College Quetta, where substantial upgrades have been made to increase training capacity and improve facilities for female officers.

According to United Nations Development Programme, the visit highlighted the completion of one of Balochistan’s largest infrastructure projects funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The project has doubled the training capacity at the college to 2,000 officers and increased accommodation capacity from 600 to 1,500, including dedicated facilities for 100 women officers.

The enhancements include the construction of seven new gender-responsive buildings—comprising two academic blocks, a multipurpose hall, a women’s hostel, two student barracks, and a canteen—as well as the refurbishment of a Health Care Unit, Parade Ground, and CCTV Room. These upgrades are designed to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female officers, promoting gender equality within the local police force.

Ms. Wignaraja emphasized the importance of gender-responsive infrastructure in enabling women to access learning opportunities and advance in their careers. She noted that such support is crucial for enriching the security sector in Balochistan by providing equal opportunities for women police officers to learn and excel.

Additionally, the project incorporated sustainable technologies, including the installation of solar panels for uninterrupted renewable energy and systems to provide clean water, further enhancing the facility’s capabilities.

UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative, Samuel Rizk, underscored the college’s role as the sole law enforcement training center in the province, providing an immersive educational experience for officers to develop both academic and practical knowledge crucial for their career progression.

The Police Training College Quetta’s expansion and the ongoing efforts under the UNDP Rule of Law Programme are part of broader initiatives to strengthen security and justice sector governance in Pakistan, reflecting a commitment to the rule of law and access to justice across the country.