LAHORE: Controversy sparked over Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s wearing of Punjab Police uniform during her appearance as the chief guest at a passing out parade of female police officers at Police Training School, Chung in Lahore.
After the criticism intensified, the provincial police department Friday issued a statement clarifying that as per the ‘Punjab Police Dress Regulations’, the CM of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is entitled to wear the police uniform.
Taking on X, the Punjab Police wrote, “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.”
The Punjab Police spokesperson further added that female police officers are celebrating the event and have shared various pictures of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz in uniform.
READ MORE: CM Punjab Maryam attends police passing out parade in uniform
“The Punjab Police is committed to further improving the law and order situation and to continuing the counter-terrorism efforts across the country, as directed by Madam CM in a subsequent meeting held at the Police Training College Chung, Lahore,” it added.
Punjab Police also shared a notification dated January 30, 2024, entitled, Amendment in Punjab Police Dress Regulations, allowing the provincial governor and chief minister to wear the uniform on formal occasions such as parades, while addressing police darbars, visiting police establishments, or any such occasion as specified, for encouraging police personnel and troops.
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
The notification issued by IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said, “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Article 10(3) read with Article 27 of the Police Order and Rule 4.2(2) of Police Rules 1934, following amendments in “Punjab Police Dress Regulations” are hereby made with immediate effect.”
Yesterday, a citizen named Waqar Ali moved the Lahore High Court against Chief Minister Maryam for wearing the uniform, insisting that a person cannot wear the uniform of an institution. The petitioner, therefore, requested the court to register a case against the Punjab chief minister.
The court asked the petitioner to submit the report of the police station’s front desk and adjourned the hearing till April 29.
