Peshawar – The appointment of Sonia Shamroz as the first ever woman Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) officer to serve as District Police Officer (DPO) in Nowshera is being viewed as a significant milestone in the district’s policing history.
Despite her short tenure, DPO Sonia Shamroz has introduced a people oriented policing approach by strengthening field supervision, promoting community policing and ensuring greater accountability within the police force.According to police sources, she frequently conducts surprise inspections of police stations, checkpoints and sensitive locations, personally reviews the performance of officers and directs immediate action to address operational issues.Community engagement has become a key feature of her policing strategy.Through open forums, public meetings and direct interaction with citizens, residents are encouraged to register complaints and seek prompt resolution of their concerns. Citizens say these initiatives have made the police more approachable and responsive.
Police sources said departmental accountability has also been reinforced under her leadership. Recently, an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) posted at the Khairabad Railway Bridge checkpoint was suspended and a transparent departmental inquiry was ordered following intelligence reports regarding alleged diesel smuggling. The action is being seen as a clear indication that negligence and misconduct will not be tolerated.
Members of the business community, legal fraternity, civil society and media believe that the district’s first woman PSP officer has helped project a more transparent, professional and service oriented image of the police.However, these observations represent the views of the respective stakeholders and have been independently verified.Observers believe that if these reforms are sustained, Nowshera has the potential to become a model for modern, community based policing built on professionalism, accountability and public trust.
