14th January 2025, Islamabad (Kamran Raja): The Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), in collaboration with The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives organized the Minority Communities Policing Forum at the Best Western Hotel Islamabad.
The forum was attended by distinguished guests, including H.E. Ms. Her Excellency Ms. Leslie Scanlon, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Former IGP, Head of One-Man Commission on Minority Rights, Mr. Shafique Chaudhry, Executive Director, PCHR, and Other notable speakers included Mr. Shakir Hussain Dawar, DIG, Police Law and Order and Training, Director General (DG) Safe City, Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan PSP, DIG, Commandant, Punjab Police College Sihala, Rawalpindi, Mr. Ali Raza DIG, Operations, Islamabad Police, Senator Mr. Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Mr. Nelson Azeem, MNA, Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara, Federal Parliamentary Secretary.
Mr. Shafique Chaudhry, who welcomed the attendees, emphasized the critical need for police services that are inclusive of minority communities. He underscored that the Forum aims to strengthen trust and confidence between law enforcement and minority groups, ensuring the protection of their rights. Mr. Chaudhry also expressed gratitude to the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives and the capital police for their vital role in the establishment of the Forum.
H.E. Ms. Her Excellency Ms. Leslie Scanlon, the Canadian High Commission to Pakistan reaffirmed Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting civil society initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive law enforcement practices and ensuring equality at all levels in Pakistan. She highlighted that inclusivity is not merely an agenda, but a shared responsibility across society. She commended the National Police Bureau for establishing the Forum and assured her country’s full support for its continued success.
Dr. Shoaib Suddle, in his address, noted the complex challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan, despite their constitutionally guaranteed rights to equality. He observed that societal polarization and differing views on minority rights have hindered efforts to achieve true equality. Dr. Suddle advocated for community policing as a way to integrate police forces within communities, fostering trust, particularly among women and minority groups. He expressed optimism that the newly developed guidelines for minority-friendly policing will bring about positive changes in police behavior towards minorities.
Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, Commandant of the police college, Sihala, highlighted the importance of proactive community engagement, emphasizing that fostering trust and cooperation with minority communities is essential for effective policing. He shared insights into the key features of the newly developed guidelines, which have now been integrated into the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for policing minority communities.
Mr. Shakir Hussain Dawar, DIG Training and DG safe city, discussed the steps the police have taken to ensure the security and protection of religious minorities. Mr. Ali Raza DIG, Operations, Islamabad Police reiterated his department’s commitment to implementing minority-inclusive policing practices, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the newly developed SOPs designed to safeguard the rights and welfare of minority communities.