Woman in Pakistan Rescued from Angry Mob Amidst Blasphemy Accusations Over Arabic Dress
In Lahore, Pakistan, a woman faced a dangerous situation when an angry mob accused her of blasphemy, mistaking Arabic calligraphy on her dress for Quranic verses. The incident occurred at a crowded marketplace where hundreds gathered, demanding she remove her kurta, which featured Arabic prints. The situation escalated when she visited a restaurant with her husband, leading to the police being called in for her rescue.
A video shared by Punjab Police highlighted the heroic efforts of Assistant Superintendent Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, who intervened to calm the mob and safely escort the woman out of the restaurant. The police praised Naqvi’s bravery and recommended her for the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal, the highest gallantry award in Pakistan.
The woman, later identified as having worn a kurta with the Arabic word “Halwa” (meaning sweet), faced accusations of blasphemy. Despite her denial and clarification that the Arabic calligraphy was not Quranic, the mob remained unconvinced. The situation unfolded in Ichra Bazaar, and a shopkeeper sheltered her, calling the police to assess the situation.
Multiple police teams arrived, dispelling the unwarranted blasphemy charge, controlling the crowd, and ensuring the woman’s safety. In a statement, the woman strongly rejected the allegations, emphasizing her religious background. She was taken into protective custody and later apologized for any unintentional hurt to religious sentiments.
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, and false accusations have led to brutal public lynchings in the past. The brave actions of Assistant Superintendent Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi have been widely praised, bringing attention to the growing number of such incidents in Pakistan.
