As Pakistan struggles with extremism and terrorism, a growing number of women are joining the country's security forces. Photographer Sa'adia Khan recently spent some time with the female police commandos in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. During months of intense exercises, these Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) commandos acquire essential skills in survival, hostage rescue, counterterrorism operations, and policing protests.
Female Commandos Protect Pakistan

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Sara is a proud commando. “We train as hard as the men do and deserve the same respect.”

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Glock 5 sub-machine guns used by the ATS female commandos.

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A female police commando wearing Niqab, a full Islamic veil.

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Iram wears a face veil as part of her uniform, but it is not mandatory.