Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz did it again – donned a uniform of the Elite Force while attending a passing-out parade in Lahore on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Not bothered about the harsh criticism she faced last time she wore a uniform, Maryam Nawaz appeared on screens of TV channels on Friday morning wearing the uniform with broad smile on her face.
Late last month, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had caused quite a stir when she attended a passing-out ceremony for women constables and traffic assistants decked out in a Punjab police uniform.
Addressing the graduating class at Police Training College Chung, the chief minister said “After wearing the police uniform for the first time, I have realised that being a police officer or being sworn in as a CM is a very responsible job. In the chief minister’s office, we take decisions and you get them implemented.”
But the chief minister’s decision to attend the ceremony in full police regalia rubbed many the wrong way, especially the opposition PTI.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Yasmin Rashid, Moonis Elahi and Shahbaz Gill all criticised CM Maryam’s decision to don a police uniform.
The issue also remained among the top trends on social media, with many users questioning the logic behind the move.
A Lahore-based lawyer even went to the trouble of filing a petition before a sessions court, seeking the registration of a case against the Punjab chief minister for ‘impersonating’ a police officer. But in the face of the criticism, both the PML-N and Punjab police defended CM Maryam’s actions.
“In the whole world, the head of the states can wear the uniform of their forces to enhance their respect. Nawaz Sharif did the same when he was in power and CM Maryam has followed him,” Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said in a statement then.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Punjab police shared a copy of the relevant rules that govern how governors and chief ministers can dress on formal occasions.
As per the amended Punjab Police Dress Regulations, “Chief minister may wear uniform on formal occasions like review of parades, while addressing police darbars, visiting police establishments or any such occasion as specified, for encouraging the police personnel and troops.”
“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. Female police officers are celebrating the event and have shared various pictures of Madam CM Punjab in uniform,” the police department tweeted.
CM Maryam's address at Elite Force passing-out parade
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that all resources will be utilized to enhance the capabilities and performance of the police.
The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was speeking at the passing out parade ceremony at Elite Police Training Center Lahore on Friday.
In his speech, Maryam Nawaz said that there are attacks on the police posts on the border of Punjab which are being bravely stopped by the police personnel.
“IG Punjab has been asked to get modern security equipment”, said Maryam Nawaz.
She said that the life of every son and daughter is very precious to me.
Police have provided eight state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras to fight terrorists, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
“I am as happy as you are by participating in the passing out parade in the elite force uniform”, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said that it was a grueling six-month training, 800 children passed, including 70 women.
Seeing the Pakistaniness on your face during the inspection of the parade gave me great encouragement as Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz said.
Elite Force is a plant planted by Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif in which 17 thousand youths have been trained so far, said the CM Maryam.
She said to express solidarity with you, I have come wearing the uniform of elite force.
You guys are among the few lucky sons and daughters of the nation who are blessed to wear this uniform, Maryam Nawaz added.
She said this is the national service that comes to the fate of the sons and daughters of a few nations.
Special congratulations to the ladies who passed out from Elite Force, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said that CM House will send a special cash prize to those who passed out.
Congratulations to the parents of the passing out women who trusted their daughters and dedicated them to the service of the country, Maryam Nawaz said.
When these girls perform their duties side by side with the sons of the nation, the nation will be proud of them, the CM said.
When I see a martyr, I think what is the spirit of martyrdom for which people offer their sons to be sacrificed on the soil and we salute this spirit of martyrdom, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
She said that 85 soldiers of the elite force were martyred and I pay my respects to the martyrs of all the forces.
The Holy Quran says that the martyr is alive and those are the lucky few who get life even after death, said Maryam Nawaz.
When an oppressed person comes to you, you have to take care of him and stand with justice, Maryam Nawaz advised.
The time is not far when we will wash the stains on the police and people will sleep peacefully in their homes, said Maryam Nawaz.
Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam presented shields to the cadets who performed brilliantly.
Maryam Nawaz also inspected the parade and appreciated the cadets' art.