MINGORA: Speakers at a workshop here on Thursday termed role of policewomen vital for a progressive and balanced society, asking the authorities to increase number of policewomen in the force.

The workshop was organised jointly by police and United National Development Programme (UNDP) at Saidu Medical College.

A large number of police officials elected representatives, civil society members and students attended the workshop.

Malakand DIG Akhtar Hayat in his opening remarks said that despite 50 per cent population of women in the society, they were still lagging behind in every field. `The society can`t be balanced until we create an environment where women can contribute to it without a shadow of fear,` he said.

DIG (Training) Syed Fida Hussain Shah said that government was keen to invest in police force by taking revolutionary measures. He said that strength of police force was increased to 75,000 from 35,000.

Mian Nizam Ali, a psychiatrist, said that women faced several social, physical and psychological issues during their field work. Theyalso experienced many positive things as they extended financial support to their families, he added.

`Working women can educate their children, serve community, learn effective and social interaction and promote morality,` said Mr Ali. He added that working women developed self-confidence, problem solving talent and became bold and courageous.

Tabassum Adnan, women rights activist and founder of the first women jirga in Swat, said that women were only recruited as constables in police.

`There is an immediate and intense need of policewomen in every sector of policing,` she added.

Ms Adnan said that those women, who were faced with some problems, would not hesitate to visit police stations if policewomen were present there. She said that there were only about 1,000 policewomen in the province. The number of policewomen should be increased to at least to 30 per cent of the total strength of police force.

Mohammad Ali Shah, the district nazim, said that best intuitions could help nations to make progress. He said that police in the province were becoming a model force for the rest of the country.