First Pakistani woman police officer selected for Asia 21 fellowship

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syeda Shehr Bano Naqvi has been selected for the Asia Society’s Asia 21 Next Generation Fellowship, becoming the first female police officer in Pakistan’s history to receive the honor, Punjab police said.

The Asia Society announced its Class of 2025, selecting 30 individuals from 27 countries across the region for their outstanding contributions to society. Bano will represent Pakistan in the program, recognized for her work in protecting vulnerable communities and driving systemic change, according to a Punjab police spokesperson.

The Asia 21 Next Generation Summit is scheduled to take place Dec. 5-7 in Manila, Philippines. Participants will present concrete proposals to address pressing social challenges.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar congratulated Bano for earning global recognition. “The performance of Punjab police officers being acknowledged at the international level is a matter of pride for the Pakistan Police Service,” he said, adding that officers like Bano will play a vital role in the country’s future police leadership.

Asia Society, one of the region’s most influential organizations in social service and leadership development, annually selects emerging leaders who demonstrate vision and impact in their fields.

Bano’s personal story reflects persistence and courage. Raised in a village in Pakistan, she cleared one of South Asia’s toughest civil service exams, following in the footsteps of her father, a civil servant. Both of her sisters also joined the civil service, underscoring the family’s belief in education as a path to opportunity.

She began her career with Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau as Assistant Director for Counterterrorism in Balochistan and Sindh. Later, she joined the Police Service of Pakistan, determined to challenge patriarchal and feudal norms.

Her first posting was in a rural district where residents had never before seen a female police commander. She went on to lead an urban precinct in Lahore, managing security during high-profile events, including the Pakistan Premier League and major city operations.

Bano’s courage in the field has been recognized nationally. She received the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal, Pakistan’s highest police gallantry award, for rescuing a woman from a violent mob. The act was acknowledged in the provincial parliament, and she was later named Prime Minister’s Woman of the Year 2024.

She also served as Personal Staff Officer to the Interior Minister and as Assistant District Officer of the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad, overseeing security for more than 150 embassies and diplomatic residences.

Currently, Bano serves in one of Lahore’s most prominent subdivisions, continuing her commitment to public service.