DHAKA: The most senior woman police officer in Afghanistan’s troubled Helmand province has died in hospital after being shot by unknown gunmen, officials say.

Lieutenant Negar, known only by her surname, was shot near the police headquarters in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, reports the BBC.

The attack came months after her female predecessor, Islam Bibi, was killed.

Lt Bibi, a high profile officer seen as a role model for women, was shot dead in July on her way to work.

Women make up just under 1% of Afghanistan’s police force and they face many threats and challenges.

Just under 1,600 policewomen are serving in the Afghan police, with around 200 more in training.

Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission says general violence against women has increased sharply over the last two years, and donor nations have expressed fears that advances in women`s rights could be at risk when Nato-led troops withdraw next year.

BDST: 1256 HRS, SEPT 16, 2013
RoR/BSK