Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari Responds To Maryam Nawaz’s Police Uniform

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz sparked controversy on Thursday by wearing a police uniform to the passing out parade at the Police Training College in Lahore.

The images went viral on social media, drawing both praise for her appearance and criticism for what some deemed as theatrical.

Read more: Legal Action To Be Sought Against CM Maryam Nawaz For Police Uniform

Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, President Zardari’s daughter, commended Maryam Nawaz for promoting gender equality within the police force, stating, “Very good, equal representation of women in the police force is commendable.”

Shortly after the event, a lawyer filed a petition in a Lahore court, arguing that Maryam Nawaz should face legal action for wearing the police uniform without authorization, as she was neither a government official nor a member of the police force. The petition was filed under sections 22-A and B of the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC).

In response, the Punjab Police defended the Chief Minister’s action, stating in a later statement on X, “As per the ‘Punjab Police Dress Regulations,’ Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is entitled to wear the police uniform.” They added that her gesture was celebrated by police personnel, who saw it as a show of solidarity. The statement emphasized the commitment of the Punjab Police to improving law and order and continuing counter-terrorism efforts, as directed by the Chief Minister during a subsequent meeting at the Police Training College Chung, Lahore.