‘CM entitled to wear police uniform’

LAHORE: After widespread social media trolling against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over wearing the Punjab Police uniform, the Punjab Police Department has issued a statement clarifying that she is indeed “entitled to wear the police uniform” as per the Punjab Police Dress Regulations.

Maryam, on Thursday, inspected the passing-out parade of lady constables and traffic assistants at the Police Training College, Chung, while wearing the police uniform. This move by the chief minister not only garnered appreciation but also led to criticism from people. The CM, first female to lead a provincial government, donned the uniform that fit her like a glove. Carrying the police baton, the chief minister inspected the parade atop a jeep amid inspiring tunes of the police band.

Taking to X, the 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 law-enforcement department said female police officers were in fact celebrating the event, adding that they had also shared various pictures of CM Maryam sporting the uniform.

The Punjab Police also shared a notification issued on January 30, 2024, allowing the provincial governor and chief minister to wear the uniform on formal occasions such as parades and addressing police Darbars, visiting police establishments, or any such occasion as specified, for encouraging police personnel and troops.