Top officials and international partners have declared that women are no longer peripheral but are now central actors in Pakistan’s national security, playing a pivotal role in shaping counterterrorism policy, strengthening institutions, and disrupting terrorist financing.
This strategic shift was affirmed during the “Women as Architects of Resilience: Empowering Women in Security and Counterterrorism” conference, a national gathering convened by the British High Commission in collaboration with Pakistan”s National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Global Affairs Canada, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Opening the forum, British High Commissioner Ms. Jane Marriott stated, ‘The UK is committed to supporting women who are strengthening Pakistan’s response to enhancing community safety, leading efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism.’ She also highlighted UK support for projects improving women’s access to justice and empowering women-led organisations.
Echoing the theme of cooperation, NACTA National Coordinator Mr. Jawad Ahmad Dogar, Canadian High Commissioner Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, and UNODC Representative Mr. Troels Vester all underscored the importance of government leadership and international partnership in advancing gender-responsive security frameworks.
Mr. Vester of the UNODC pointed to tangible progress, observing that Pakistani women are increasingly serving in leadership positions within law enforcement, financial oversight, and judicial bodies, contributing directly to investigations and disrupting terrorism financing.
Reaffirming the government”s stance, Mr. Dogar asserted that integrating female perspectives into counterterrorism strategy is essential for strengthening prevention, deterring radicalisation, and reinforcing community resilience.
The event brought together senior policymakers, law enforcement leaders, financial regulators, and civil society representatives. Discussions emphasised that female participation enhances institutional effectiveness, accountability, and public trust.
Ms. Humaira Mufti, Secretary of the National Commission on the Status of Women, explained that women”s involvement in security strengthens national resilience, safeguards rights, and reinforces long-term stability.
A key panel, “Breaking Barriers in Security Leadership,” featured senior women officers, including Ms. Aisha Butt and Ms. Beenish Fatima of the Punjab Police, who shared operational experiences demonstrating how their leadership has improved investigations and fortified community engagement.
Another session focused on how women are strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance, enhancing financial oversight to dismantle terrorist support networks.
The symposium concluded with a joint commitment to deepen the integration of gender perspectives within provincial Centres of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism and to establish a Women in Security and Counterterrorism Network to foster sustained collaboration and skills development.