A Pakistani woman police officer is earning praises for her swift action to diffuse a potentially violent situation in Lahore. In a widely shared video, Assistant Superintendent of Police Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi was seen saving a woman from a mob.
The woman was targeted by a mob who accused her of blasphemy, mistaking the Arabic prints on her kurta for Quranic verses. The police were called to a local restaurant, where the woman, accompanied by her husband, was asked to take off her kurta.
The police, including Ms Naqvi, responded to the call. A video showed ASP Naqvi trying to clear the confusion surrounding the kurta, before safely escorting the woman away from the mob.
On the incident, Ms Naqvi said: "The woman had gone for shopping with her husband. She had worn a kurta that had some words written on it. When some people saw it they asked her to remove the kurta. There was a confusion.”
Her role in pacifying the angry mob and safely escorting the accused woman out of the restaurant has earned her praise and recognition.
Inspector General of Punjab Usman Anwar officially stated that Ms Naqvi's name has been recommended for the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal (QPM), the highest gallantry award for law enforcement in Pakistan, citing her "heroic deed", stating, “ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, the brave SDPO of Gulbarg Lahore, put her life in danger to rescue a woman from a violent crowd.”
Watch the video here:
"ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, the brave SDPO of Gulbarg Lahore, put her life in danger to rescue a woman from a violent crowd. For this heroic deed, the Punjab Police has recommended her name for the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal (QPM), the highest gallantry award for law… pic.twitter.com/awHaIGVb9l
— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) February 25, 2024
Ms Naqvi is also being praised online for her bravery.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "You are braver than those cowards who are harassing innocent women. I acknowledge your bravery. Hats off to you, and more power to you. Stay strong; we are with you. Your resilience in the face of such despicable behaviour is truly inspiring."
You are braver than those cowards who are harassing innocent women. I acknowledge your bravery. Hats off to you, and more power to you. Stay strong; we are with you. Your resilience in the face of such despicable behaviour is truly inspiring. ????????
— Mobin (@mobin_911) February 25, 2024
Another user stated, “God bless you, sister. You've done an extraordinary job and saved the life. May Almighty curse the people who tried to mould the situation into crisis.”
God bless you, sister. You've done an extraordinary job and saved the life. May Almighty curse the people who tried to mold the situation into crisis.
— Tahir Javed (@tahirjaved) February 26, 2024
“An excellent job by an ASP for a change. This is how police should be. well done,” read a comment.
An excellent job by an ASP for a change. This is how police should be. well done????????
— Shahzad Khan (@shazadk) February 25, 2024
Someone else praised, “Huge respect for this police officer. Brave lady,” while another added, “Salute to this Brave Woman.”
Huge respect for this police officer. Brave lady.
— pain (@vibes00000) February 25, 2024
Salute to this Brave Women ????????
— Intellectual Zombie (@OsintSU) February 25, 2024
Users also expressed pride and support, with comments such as "Proud of her sir she deserves more…" and "She really deserves this award."
Proud of her sir she deserves more….
— RAMIZ KHAN YOUSAFZAI (@rkspak1) February 25, 2024
She really deserves this award.
— Javeria Tehreem (@JaveriaTehreem) February 25, 2024
“ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi is the face I wish every Pakistani had become.” another comment read.
ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi is the face I wish every Pakistani had become. ???? pic.twitter.com/ydgRlj7qOt
— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) February 25, 2024
The accused woman, who was taken to the police station, later apologised for unintentionally hurting religious sentiments. She stated, "I had no intentions of insulting anyone's religious sentiments. I bought the kurta just because it had a good design.”
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