ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi a hero for saving a woman in Lahore’s Ichra Bazaar from a furious mob after she was accused of “blasphemy” for donning an Arabic calligraphy-adorned outfit.
Several films that have appeared on social media showcase Naqvi’s fortitude. In one video, a mob yells obscenities in the background as the policeman saves the woman from the bazaar. Another shows her addressing the crowd and persuading them that no blasphemous act had been perpetrated, all the while asking them to trust the authorities.
During my service, I have handled three such incidents, and you should have trust in us [police]
~ ASP Shehrbano
Store owners stood up for the woman and gave her protection until the police could arrive. The majority of those accused in the mob were reportedly either clients, guests, or bystanders, and the clothing vendors who saved the girl knew that the print was also sold at the market.
In another video, the girl is seen cowering inside a store, trembling from fear of being attacked by the mob on the grounds of blasphemy, an accusation that has in the past led to numerous public lynchings.
Celebrities are commending Naqvi for showcasing immense courage. Sharing a picture of her on Instagram, actor Sajal Aly wrote, “We need more women in power,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Actor Ayesha Omar remarked, “What a hero she is. Bravo Shehrbano.”
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy also shared the news of ASP Naqvi saving the day.
Naqvi has been nominated by the Punjab police for the Quaid-e-Azam police medal. Dr. Usman Anwar, the Punjab IG, commented on the Punjab Police’s official X
"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
Brand Respond
The woman in the video was dressed in apparel that looked a lot like it was offered by Semplicita, a Kuwaiti company. In an Instagram post, the brand addressed rumours that its line of clothing was connected to the Ichra lawsuit. Pakistanis appear to have started commenting on the brand’s Instagram posts about its decision to put Arabic calligraphy on their clothing, which is what sparked the response.
In a statement posted on its Instgaram story, the brand said, “Dear Pakistani people, we have nothing to do with the recent incident that happened to the innocent girl. We are based in Kuwait and we do NOT ship worldwide. Please stop following and messaging since it’s really disturbing. We use Arabic words and letters in different fonts everywhere since it’s our language!”
For the record, the words printed on the dress include ‘حياة’ meaning ‘Life’ and ‘حلوة’ meaning ‘Beautiful’, as clarified by the brand in response.