An angry mob in Pakistan accused a woman wearing a dress adorned with Arabic calligraphy of blasphemy, mistaking it for Quran verses. Quick action by the Punjab Police, led by Assistant Superintendent Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, saved the woman from the violent crowd in Lahore’s Ichchra area on Sunday afternoon.
“Nobody actually knew what was written on the shirt. The major feat was to try to get that woman out of the area to ensure that she is safe,” said Naqvi.
The dress, with the word “Halwa” printed in Arabic letters, meaning sweet, sparked outrage. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and incidents of mob violence over blasphemy accusations are not uncommon.
The police received a call about the gathering, and around 300 people had surrounded the woman outside a restaurant. Videos on social media showed a visibly scared woman shielded by police officers from an increasingly agitated crowd.
“Had I not screamed and had I not convinced the crowd that we will do something about it, it would have turned nastier… Thank God,” ACP asserted.
The woman, later accompanied by religious scholars, clarified that the Arabic calligraphy on her dress was not Quranic verses. She gave a public apology, stating it was unintentional. Authorities have seen a rise in such incidents and praised Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi for her bravery.
Various celebrities praised ASP Shehrbano’s courageous intervention, expressing their admiration through past social media posts and stories. Actress Yashma Gill shared her feelings through a heart felt note on Instagram;
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Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the renowned documentary filmmaker, joined the chorus of admiration for ASP Shehrbano, hailing her as a ‘hero’ in her social media story.
Maryam Nawaz (PML-N senior vice president) praised the female officer’s bravery today: “Well done ASP Shehrbano! Everyone must save society from religious fanaticism.”
Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Ashrafi (Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council) also condemned the incident: “The best efforts of the Ichhra police are commendable. The harassers should have instead apologized.”
Medal for ASP in Blasphemy Case
Praising her exceptional bravery, the Punjab Police chief has officially recommended ASP Shehrbano Naqvi for the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal. This esteemed award, the highest recognition in Pakistani law enforcement, is a testament to her courage in putting her life at risk 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 enforcement in Pakistan,” the Punjab Police posted, citing Inspector General Punjab Dr Usman Anwar.
The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding blasphemy accusations in Pakistan. Laws against blasphemy were first codified by India’s British rulers and expanded in the 1980s under the military government.
History of Blasphemy in Pakistan: A Continuing Menace
Although no one has ever been executed, blasphemy convictions are common in Pakistan. While most convictions are thrown out on appeal, vigilante mobs have lynched dozens of people even before a case is put on trial. Those killed include members of religious minorities, prominent politicians, students, clerics, and people with mental illnesses.
According to local media and researchers, at least 85 people have been murdered in relation to blasphemy allegations since 1990. Judges hearing blasphemy cases have reported facing pressure to hand down convictions, regardless of the evidence, and fearing physical violence if they don’t. When anti-blasphemy violence breaks out, local police have been seen standing aside and allowing mobs to carry out their attacks.
As of 2023, there are at least 53 people in custody across Pakistan on blasphemy charges, according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The majority of those accused are Muslims, but members of religious minorities, especially Christians, face an acute threat.
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