Islamabad, January 26, 2026: The British High Commission in Pakistan on Monday reaffirmed its leadership in promoting inclusive and effective security by convening a national conference titled “Women as Architects of Resilience: Empowering Women in Security and Counterterrorism.” The event was held in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Global Affairs Canada, and with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pakistan.
The conference highlighted the expanding role of women across Pakistan in shaping counterterrorism policy, strengthening state institutions, and delivering tangible security outcomes at the community level.
Opening the conference, British High Commissioner Ms. Jane Marriott said the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting women who are enhancing Pakistan’s community safety and leading efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism. She noted that the UK is also backing initiatives aimed at improving women’s access to justice, supporting survivors, and empowering women-led organizations to build resilient communities.
Mr. Jawad Ahmad Dogar, National Coordinator NACTA, Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, High Commissioner of Canada, and Mr. Troels Vester, UNODC Representative, underscored the importance of international cooperation and strong government leadership in advancing gender-responsive security frameworks.
UNODC Representative Mr. Troels Vester highlighted the progress already underway, pointing out that women in Pakistan are increasingly assuming leadership roles in law enforcement, financial oversight, and justice institutions, contributing directly to investigations, compliance, and efforts to disrupt terrorism financing. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, Mr. Jawad Ahmad Dogar emphasized that integrating women’s perspectives into counterterrorism policies is vital to preventing radicalization, strengthening deterrence, and reinforcing community resilience.
The conference brought together senior policymakers, law enforcement officials, financial regulators, international partners, civil society representatives, and academics. Discussions emphasized that women are no longer peripheral to national security efforts but are central actors enhancing institutional effectiveness, accountability, and public trust.
Setting the national policy context, Ms. Humaira Mufti, Secretary of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), highlighted how women’s participation in security and prevention initiatives strengthens resilience, safeguards rights, and supports long-term stability.
A key panel titled “Breaking Barriers in Security Leadership” featured senior women officers from policing and provincial administrations, who shared operational experiences demonstrating how women’s leadership has improved investigations, enhanced community engagement, and increased public trust in law enforcement.
International perspectives were shared by Ms. Kate Wilson, Counter Terrorism Police Liaison Officer at the British High Commission, and Ms. Kate Fitzpatrick of UNODC Vienna, who presented global best practices on inclusive counterterrorism approaches linked to measurable security outcomes. Field-level leadership and dignity-centered policing initiatives were highlighted by Ms. Aisha Butt, Superintendent of Police, Punjab Police, and Ms. Beenish Fatima, Senior Superintendent of Police, Punjab.
Another session focused on women at the forefront of emerging technologies and financial vigilance, where experts discussed the growing role of women in strengthening AML/CFT compliance, financial oversight, and early-warning systems to disrupt terrorist financing networks. Civil society leaders stressed that women-led community initiatives play a crucial role in addressing the root causes of extremism and supporting at-risk populations.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to further integrate gender perspectives within provincial Centres of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism and to advance the establishment of a Women in Security and Counterterrorism Network to promote sustained collaboration, mentorship, and skills development across institutions and sectors.
