ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry has come under fire after posting comments on X (formerly Twitter) advising women against pursuing careers in the police force, triggering widespread criticism online and from public figures.
Why women are opting to become police officers? Most of them are completely useless as cops, also it’s terrible career choice even otherwise…. https://t.co/Kd1cfDuWEA
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) June 16, 2026
In his post, Chaudhry responded to a discussion about Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer Kainat Azhar Khan by questioning why women were choosing policing as a profession. He wrote that, in his view, most women in the police were “completely useless as cops” and described policing as a “terrible career choice,” suggesting that women should instead pursue fields such as science or entrepreneurship.
His remarks quickly drew backlash from journalists, politicians, and social media users, many of whom accused him of promoting sexist views and undermining women serving in law enforcement.
Journalist Hamid Mir strongly criticised the statement, calling it an example of “male chauvinism” and pointing to the achievements of Pakistani women in various professional fields, including diplomacy and civil services.
Chaudhry responded by clarifying that he believed capable women should focus on higher-skilled professions rather than policing, arguing that law enforcement does not require highly specialised capability. However, this explanation did little to reduce the criticism.
A large number of social media users questioned the logic behind discouraging women from joining a key public service sector, arguing that half the population should not be excluded from policing roles. Others highlighted that women officers such as Kainat Azhar Khan, Shehrbano Naqvi, and Amna Baig have already made notable contributions in Pakistan’s law enforcement institutions.
Some users also demanded evidence or research to support Chaudhry’s claims about women’s effectiveness in policing, while others challenged the broader idea by questioning his own career in politics.
The debate intensified online, with many users and commentators defending the role of women in policing and criticising attempts to undermine their participation in public service.
Despite the controversy, women continue to serve in increasing numbers across Pakistan’s police forces, where they are engaged in operational, investigative, and leadership roles.
