Lahore police restrict women’s presence at police stations after sunset
New instructions issued to police officers
During the meeting, the DIG directed all police officials to treat women with the utmost respect in every situation. He instructed that no woman, whether a complainant or an accused, should remain at any police station after Maghrib.
Police officers were told to ensure that all necessary procedures involving women are completed before sunset wherever possible. Officials said the directive is intended to improve the handling of cases involving women at police stations.
Critics question the new policy
The decision has drawn criticism from some observers and rights advocates. Critics argue that the responsibility of law enforcement agencies is to provide a secure environment where women can seek legal help at any time of the day or night.
They say women should not face restrictions when reporting crimes or seeking police assistance. Some also believe that improving security and accountability within police stations would be a more effective solution.
The directive follows the recent assault case
The new instructions come after the arrest of a Lahore police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman with a mental health condition in the Ghaziabad area.
According to police, the woman left her home and did not return for several hours, prompting her family to search for her.
A resident reportedly informed the family that a plain-clothes police officer had taken the woman away on a motorcycle. The victim later alleged that ASI Imran took her to another location and sexually assaulted her.
Police launch investigation
Following the allegations, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused officer. DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza ordered the immediate registration of the case and directed investigators to conduct a transparent, impartial, and merit-based investigation.
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Officials said legal proceedings against the accused would continue in accordance with the law. The investigation remains underway, and further developments are expected as evidence is collected.
Punjab government’s focus on women’s safety
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has repeatedly said that the protection of women and children is one of her government’s highest priorities. She has described women and children as her “red line” and has directed police to respond quickly to emergency calls involving women.
Under the government’s instructions, police are expected to reach women who call the emergency helpline 15 within 15 minutes. The chief minister has also directed that an FIR in such cases should be registered within 24 hours, where required under the law.
Debate continues over women’s access to police stations
The latest directive has sparked debate about balancing women’s safety with their right to access law enforcement services. Supporters believe the measure is intended to reduce risks, while critics argue it may create additional barriers for women seeking justice after dark.
Legal experts say effective policing depends on both public safety and equal access to law enforcement services. Authorities have not announced whether further guidelines will be issued to clarify how the directive will be implemented.
