In a landmark achievement for Pakistan, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shehrbano Naqvi has been selected for the esteemed Asia Society 21 Next Generation Fellowship. She becomes the first female police officer in the nation’s history to receive this international honour. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, ASP Naqvi was chosen for the Class of 2025 in recognition of her dedicated work protecting vulnerable segments of society and her profound commitment to fostering systemic change.
The prestigious fellowship, which will gather in the Philippines from December 5-7, 2025, will honour 30 exceptional young leaders from 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar extended his congratulations, stating that her performance being recognized internationally is “a matter of pride for the country.” This accolade brings significant global attention to the evolving landscape of law enforcement in Pakistan.
ASP Naqvi first rose to national prominence in 2023 for her act of extraordinary bravery and composure in Lahore’s Achhra Market, where she successfully rescued a woman from a violent mob. The incident, widely shared on social media, cemented her status as a symbol of courage and progressive policing within the force, making her a household name.
This achievement is part of a growing trend of Pakistani women in police receiving global acclaim. In March 2025, officer Anum Khan Muhammad Sher won the Excellence in Criminal Investigation Award at the World Police Summit in Dubai. Furthermore, in October 2024, Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer SP Beenish Fatima was honoured with the IACP 40 Under 40 Award in Boston. Together, these awards highlight the increasing impact and international recognition of Pakistan’s female law enforcement professionals.
