ASP Shehrbano wins accolade for standing tall against mob

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 27 Feb 2024

ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi has become a hero following her brave move to rescue a woman accused of blasphemy.

From celebrities to the common masses, the ASP is getting praise for not letting the woman being thrown at the whims of the radicalsed lot that gathered at Lahore’s Ichhra Bazaar.

The woman donned an Arabic calligraphy-adorned outfit and that was apparently enough for the mob to find a reason to have their own way.

Had ASP Naqvi failed to guard and protect the woman, things might have taken a dangerous turn. 

Since the happening of the incident, several videos have appeared on social media showcasing Naqvi's resolve. Mob yells obscenities in the background as the policewoman saves the woman by taking her away from the market. 

Another video shows her addressing the crowd and persuading them that no blasphemous act had been committed, 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],” she told the crowd.

Store owners stood up for the woman and gave her protection until the police arrived. The majority of those accusing the vulnerable woman were either clients, guests, or bystanders, and the clothing vendors who saved the woman knew that the print was also sold in the market.

In another video, the woman 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 have called Naqvi a real hero who saved the woman and led her to a safe place under her protection.

Sajal Ali said, “We need more women in power,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Actor Ayesha Omar remarked, “What a hero she is. Bravo Shehrbano.”

Mira Sethi wrote, “ASP Shehrbano rescuing a woman who happened to wear a print with Arabic words — and a crowd gathered accusing the woman of blasphemy. No words. We’ve been here before.”

The Punjab police has nominated Naqvi for the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal. Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar’s statement on the Punjab Police’s official X (formerly Twitter) account reads, “ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, the brave SDPO of [Gulberg] 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 enforcement in Pakistan.”