Lahore: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shehrbano Naqvi has been selected for the Asia Society’s prestigious Asia 21 Next Generation Fellowship, becoming the first female police officer from Pakistan to receive this honour.

According to a spokesperson from the Punjab Police, ASP Naqvi has been chosen for the Asia 21 Class of 2025 in recognition of her unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and advancing systemic change in Pakistan’s policing framework.

The Asia 21 Fellowship is an international leadership development program that brings together 30 exceptional individuals from 27 countries, with the 2025 summit scheduled to be held in the Philippines from December 5 to 7.

ASP Naqvi rose to national prominence in 2023 for her heroic intervention in Lahore’s Achhra Market, where she courageously rescued a woman from a violent mob. Her actions were widely hailed as a powerful example of integrity, bravery, and professionalism in law enforcement.

In March 2025, Anum Khan Muhammad Sher of Sargodha City Police Station was awarded the Excellence in Criminal Investigation Award at the World Police Summit in Dubai for her role in solving two high-profile murder cases.

In October 2024, SP Beenish Fatima, Chief Traffic Officer of Rawalpindi, was honoured with the IACP 40 Under 40 Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Boston for her leadership and contributions to traffic management and public safety.

Punjab Police officials praised ASP Naqvi’s selection as a proud moment for the country and a significant milestone in the journey toward gender inclusivity in Pakistan’s law enforcement institutions.

Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar congratulated the officer, calling it a matter of pride for the country. “It is a matter of pride that the performance of Punjab Police officers is being recognised at the international level,” he said in a statement.