LAHORE: The Quaid-i-Azam Police Medal (QPM) has been recommended for Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syeda Sheharbano Naqvi by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in recognition of his Sunday rescue of a girl from a “violent mob” at Ichhra Bazaar, Lahore.
The frenzied mob gheraoed the girl because she was wearing a shirt with some Arabic letters emblazoned on it, claiming that the clothing was digitally printed with Quranic verses.
Higher authorities became aware of a video recording demonstrating the ASP’s prompt action, her attempt to address the crowd, and ultimately her attempt to save the girl. They believed that Ms. Naqvi saved the girl’s life while seriously endangering her own.
The girl’s scared expression, the female police officer’s extraordinary bravery, and the mindset of the enraged crowd yelling religious slogans were the buzz of the town all day.
The chief minister was suggested by IGP Dr. Usman Anwar to bestow the prestigious honor on the female police officer who was instrumental in this matter.
Speaking with Dawn here on Monday, he claimed that in order to save a woman from a tumultuous gathering, ASP Naqvi risked her life.
“I suggested her for the renowned police medal because her heroic role demonstrates her potential as well as capacity to deal with the mob at a moment when beliefs were at their peak,” Dr. Anwar stated.
Operations SSP in Lahore Rejecting allegations that any action was taken against the mob that had surrounded the girl, Ali Raza said that the issue had been settled when religious scholars from different schools of thought confirmed to the police that the girl’s outfit contained no offensive material or holy passages.
The SSP praised the ASP’s and other police officers’ competent handling of the mob, saying that by managing the chaotic situation, similar incidents can be avoided in the future.
On Monday, on the floor of the Punjab Assembly, Ms. Naqvi received additional appreciation.
Maryam Nawaz, the recently elected Chief Minister, sent her a heartfelt homage, stating that Ms. Naqvi had saved the girl’s life in an admirable act of bravery, discernment, and responsibility.
Speaking at the event, the chief minister reported that she has seen female police officers carrying firearms while on duty.
Like Shaherbano did, she wished that all police officers would contribute positively to the safety of the public.
