Punjab Police defends Maryam Nawaz for wearing uniform
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s appearance as the chief guest at a passing out parade of female police officers wearing a police uniform has caused a stir.
Maryam Nawaz appeared at the Chung Police Training School as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the passing out parade of a new batch of female police officers, wearing the police uniform as a gesture of goodwill and to express solidarity with the graduating recruits.
However, Maryam’s participation in the passing out parade while wearing the uniform ignited a storm of controversy on social media. Many critics viewed her actions as unworthy of her stature, with some accusing her of violating regulations and committing a criminal offense by wearing the police uniform.
As per the ‘Punjab Police Dress Regulations’, the CM of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is entitled to wear the police uniform. This has been widely celebrated by the police personnel, who view it as a commendable show of solidarity. The Central Police Office has received hundreds… pic.twitter.com/GFtXBNSuZo
— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) April 25, 2024
Former Supreme Court Bar office bearer Advocate Supreme Court Aftab Ahmad Bajwa filed a petition seeking a court order for the registration of an FIR against Maryam Nawaz for wearing the police uniform. He petitioned the court to register a criminal case against Maryam Nawaz for allegedly committing a criminal offense by donning the police uniform.
Punjab Police defended Maryam Nawaz’s actions, citing the Punjab Police Dress Regulations 2024, which permit the Chief Minister of Punjab to wear the police uniform on formal occasions.
In a statement on X, Punjab Police said, ‘This has been widely celebrated by the police personnel, who view it as a commendable show of solidarity. The Central Police Office has received hundreds of messages in which police personnel have lauded this step. Female police officers are celebrating the event and have shared various pictures of Madam CM Punjab in uniform.”
محترمہ وزیراعلی پولیس ٹرننگ سینٹر میں خواتین پولیس کی پاسنگ آوٹ کے موقع پر۔ pic.twitter.com/FUD6P0EGVz
— Sania Ashiq (@SaniaaAshiq) April 25, 2024
The Central Police Office received numerous messages from officers praising the gesture. Female police officers have enthusiastically shared pictures of “Madam CM Punjab” in uniform, expressing their appreciation for her support.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maryam stressed the importance of women in law enforcement and expressed her commitment to increasing their representation within the police force.
She praised the dedication and hard work of female officers, highlighting their vital role in maintaining law and order. Maryam remarked that wearing the police uniform for the first time made her realize the immense responsibility that comes with being a police officer or holding the position of chief minister.