In a significant move toward women’s empowerment in the provincial police force, the Punjab government has appointed Amara Athar as Lahore’s first female Chief Traffic Officer (CTO). Amara Athar, a BS-19 police officer, is only the fourth female police officer posted in the provincial capital, previously serving as the Model Town Lahore SP.
The CTO position became vacant after Mustansar Feroz assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Punjab Safe City Authority.
Despite several male officers being eligible for the top position, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar chose a female officer, citing the commendable performance of Officer Aysha Butt, currently serving as CTO Gujranwala. Notably, Gujranwala’s CTO had established Pakistan’s first traffic theme park to raise awareness about traffic laws.
The decision reflects the outstanding contributions of various female police officers across Punjab, including Lahore Investigation SSP Dr Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, Lahore Sadar Division SP Sidra Khan, Crime Record Office (CRO) SP Aqeela Naqvi, and Gulberg ASP Syeda Sheharbano. This strategic appointment underscores the commitment to gender diversity and recognizing women’s capabilities in leadership roles within law enforcement, fostering a more inclusive and empowered police force in Punjab.
