New Delhi

The government of Saudi Arabia has invited Pakistani policewoman Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, who saved a woman from a possible mob lynching in Lahore for her ‘fault’ of wearing a ‘blasphemous dress’ to a royal visit to the Kingdom

According to Geo News, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki said he will arrange a royal visit for ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi and her family to his country as a reward for her heroic action.

According to a video of the incident that surfaced on social media, the woman wore a trendy kameez (top) made of fabric with Arabic language print. It seems this is a fashion trend in the Muslim world, including in Saudi Arabia.

Some people spotted this particular woman in Lahore’s Achhra Market and in no time, a mob gathered and started accusing her of wearing a dress with Quranic ayat and thereby committing blasphemy.

Naqvi stood up and rescued the woman and also chided the mob for trying to take law in their hands. The video posted on social media showed the targeted young woman shivering in fear.

The Geo said the Saudi ambassador hosted Syeda Shehrbano at the embassy. During the interaction at Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki appreciated the courage of the police officer and told her that the Saudi government would bear the expenses of her travel to Saudi with her family as a royal guest.

Naqvi told foreign media persons later that she had rejected the idea of calling an Armoured vehicle for rescuing the woman who had taken shelter inside a shop. “I told them we will be setting a bad precedent. I stood on a chair and told the mob: You aren't allowed to do this, I will get her out! She clung to me like a baby, I won't forget that." She said.

Police recorded the video and this has been shared by netizens on social media platform X:

ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, salute! pic.twitter.com/zZrwebV7Nw

— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) February 25, 2024

Showing her presence of mind, Naqvi tied the coloured hair of the women to ensure that nobody can pull her hair as she rescues her. She also made her roll up her kameez with Arabic print so that the mob doesn’t get provoked again on seeing the Arabic letters. She covered her face with a shawl and made her don an Abaya as she rescued her out.

“The woman was shivering. She told me not to take her out since people will surely kill her, “ naqvi said.

Nazvi told a foreign media outlet that she deals with such cases of regular basis, In last two week, she had dealt with three such cases in her area of resoponsibility.

The Saudi ambassador lauded the ASP for her selfless devotion to duty and professionalism in defusing a volatile situation.

The Saudi reaction to this incident comes amidst massive chances being affected in the Kingdom with the motive to soften the image of Islam across the world. The women in Saudi Arabia have been given the right to drive, move around without a male escort and even travel without one.

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ASP Naqvi had also called on Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, who appreciated her course and sense of duty.

Punjab Police chief Usman Anwar has recommended Syeda Sheharbano Naqvi for the Quaid-i-Azam Police Medal (QPM), the Geo said.