‘A jack of all trades’: Social media users mock Maryam Nawaz for her police uniform appearance

Lahore: Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab province in Pakistan and daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, faced a wave of mockery and criticism on social media after she appeared at a police passing-out parade dressed in a police uniform. 

During the parade, Maryam had emphasised her administration’s commitment to increasing the presence of female officers in the police force, saying, “Wearing the police uniform highlights the weight of this significant responsibility.” However, her choice of attire was widely ridiculed on social media platforms.

What social media users said

Moonis Elahi, a social media user, said, “Jokes write themselves.” Barrister Ambreen Qureshi joined in the mockery, humorously tweeting, “Tomorrow I want to be a surgeon, insha Allah!” Others, like Shahbaz Gill, criticised Maryam for her actions, with one tweet sarcastically suggesting she might even wear the army chief’s uniform next.

Jokes write themselves. 😂 pic.twitter.com/7o39mS3FBI

— Moonis Elahi (@MoonisElahi6) April 25, 2024

Tomorrow I want to be a surgeon inshah Allah! pic.twitter.com/ffPPvOeFlD

— Barrister Ambreen Qureshi 🇵🇰🇨🇦 (@ambreenqureshi) April 25, 2024

Rooman Khan added fuel to the fire with a witty comment, labelling Maryam as “A Jack Of All Trades” for her multiple roles as a police officer, actor, and politician.

کور کمانڈر لاہور صاحب اب کہیں آپ نہ بلا لیجئے گا باجی کو۔ کیا پتہ آرمی چیف کی وردی پہن کر پہنچ جائیں۔ ویسے کمال ہے ہماری اسٹبلشمنٹ پر بھی ان لوگوں کو مسلط کیا ہے پاکستان پر۔ pic.twitter.com/IsgRR9fNI6

— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) April 25, 2024

A police officer, actor and politician. A jack of all trades 🥰#MaryamNawaz pic.twitter.com/XZKyaJT7yx

— Rooman Khan (@RoomanKhan87) April 25, 2024

Surena Sokolov joked about Maryam’s attire, asking if she knew how to dress up as a “princess at Disney Land.” 

#MaryamNawaz idea of dressing up as a princess at Disney Land..😁😁 pic.twitter.com/ZTwdTw8Kf6

— Surena Sokolov (@SukhoiSu_75) April 25, 2024

Legal action against Maryam Nawaz

A Lahore-based lawyer took legal action against Maryam, filing a petition before a sessions court. The petition sought the registration of a case against the chief minister for ‘impersonating’ a police officer.

Despite the criticism, both the ruling PML-N and the Punjab province police came to Maryam’s defence. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that heads of states can wear the uniform of their forces to enhance their respect, citing an example of Nawaz Sharif doing the same during his tenure. The Punjab Police also defended Maryam, citing relevant rules governing the attire of governors and chief ministers on formal occasions.

A former inspector general of police clarified that Maryam had not violated any law by wearing the police uniform, stating that prosecution would only apply if someone wore the uniform with the intention to deceive or defraud.