The Bhatti sisters may rightfully be counted amongst the shining stars of Pakistan. Achieving various milestones despite their not-so-affluent background, the four women, who grew up in the slums of Sukkur, made it to the police force. Defying all barriers and stereotypes revolving around socioeconomic class and gender, Kashmala Bhatti, Shumaila Bhatti, Komal Bhatti and Maria Bhatti got an education from government institutions and proved their mettle by clearing different examinations – including the National Testing Services examination – and finally joined the police force. Three of the sisters are serving in the Sindh Police while Shumaila, along with her husband, is working with the railway police.
Their father Mohammad Anwar Bhatti is a plumber and their mother Sajida Bibi works as a lady health worker. With five daughters and two sons, it was not possible for them to send their children to private institutions – which is why all of their children received their education from public schools.
Komal and Maria say that they are committed to continuing with their higher studies - like their elder sister, Kashmala
Kashmala, the eldest amongst her siblings, joined the police force as a Constable in 2004 after completing intermediate education. Alongside her job, she continued her studies and completed a Master’s degree in English Literature from the Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. Her younger sister, Shumaila, followed in her footsteps. She was appointed a Lady Constable in Pakistan Railways in 2006 and is now married to a Head Constable, who also serves in the railway police.
Meanwhile, Komal, a commerce graduate, and Maria, who has recently completed her intermediate education, were inducted in the Sindh Police in December 2016. “Before our last successful attempt, both of us took written and physical tests three times. But each time, the results were cancelled at the eleventh hour,” says Komal. “Heartbroken over our previous bitter experiences, we were not ready to go for further tests. However, our sister Kashmala encouraged us and submitted our documents. To our surprise, we were selected on merit!” she says.
Maria, who is the youngest amongst the sisters, says that besides relaxing the upper age limit for the post of Constable, senior police officials were kind enough to provide some lenience to her when it came to her height as well. “My height is five feet and the prescribed height for Lady Constable was 5’2 feet,” she shared. “I am thankful to the Sindh IG, who relaxed this criterion, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to get selected.” Komal and Maria say that they are committed to continuing with their higher studies – like their elder sister, Kashmala. They believe this will also assist them in getting promotions. When asked why the girls joined the police force instead of any other organisation, they are quite clear. They say that this was the only place where they did not have to give a bribe in order to obtain entry.
The father of the four policewomen, Mohammad Anwar, holds his head high because of his daughters. Living in a two-room house in the slums of Freek Hill in Sukkur, his eyes beam with pride while talking about the achievements of his daughters. “As you see, we are living in poverty,” he says. “I am a plumber by profession and earn very little.” According to him, it was a distant dream for him to think about ‘buying’ jobs for his children. “Believe me, I had never dreamt about my daughters getting jobs in the police force, where, as you know, jobs are mostly given out on a political basis,” he says. Talking about their fifth daughter, Mohammad Anwar says that she died at the age of 16 due to some illness that was never diagnosed.
Young women appearing in the exams for the police force
Talking about Kashmala, her proud mother Sajida recalls how she not only supported her younger sisters and brothers but also continued with her own higher education. Sajida also expressed gratitude towards the IG, DIG and SSP. “Today my head is held high because my daughters have proved that despite living in very poor circumstances, if there is a will there always is a way.” Sajida, who is simply a “middle pass” person (having completed middle school), today finds that her daughters not only took a keen interest in their studies, but help her in household chores as well. “As you can see, we are poor people and living in the slums in a small house, but people of the area respect us a lot,” she says with a smile. Some of the women in the neighbourhood use to say, “Don’t argue with Sajida, otherwise you will get in trouble –she has four daughters who are in the police force!” But such measures have never been necessary for her: “As a matter of fact, neither I nor my daughters have ever felt superior to others. Instead, we love and respect our neighbours and relatives,” she says.
Unlike his sisters, Hasnain, who is a commerce graduate, attempted thrice to get a job in the Sindh police force, but failed. His last attempt for the post of police Constable was in December 2016 along with his sisters Maria and Komal, but the young man, unlike his sisters, was not fortunate enough to clear all the tests – including running. Hasnain himself says, “I have passed the written test, but I was not able to qualify in the physical test.” He used to work with a networking company, but now he has been rendered jobless, as the company has wound up its project in Sukkur and other areas. “I am not disappointed and I will attempt once again to be a part of the Sindh police like my sisters”, he adds.
Sukkur DIG Feroze Shah points out that the recent recruitments in the police force were done without any political influence. “I am happy that most of the candidates belong to poor families and have been selected on the basis of merit,” he says. Sukkur SSP Amjad Ahmed Shaikh says that he also feels proud of the sisters.
“Many strong candidates have joined the police force and I wish success to them,” he says. “Believe me, this time we have found diamonds from the coal mine,” the SSP describes recent recruitment. “I am happy to see that our youth are full of talent and I hope that they will prove an asset for the country.”
Sarfaraz Memon is a freelance journalist. He may be reached at memonfraz@gmail.com
