Police Rescue Teen from Blasphemy Accusations in Lahore
In Lahore, prompt action by the police prevented a teenage girl, dressed in attire adorned with Arabic calligraphy, being attacked by an enraged mob on Sunday at the bustling Ichra Bazaar.
Tensions escalated when someone falsely claimed that the girl’s attire featured Quranic verses. However, several shopkeepers came to her defense, offering refuge in a nearby shop and clarifying to the mob that it was merely Arabic calligraphy.
Eyewitnesses noted that many in the agitated mob were bystanders, shoppers, or visitors, with garment traders aware of the prevalence of clothing with Arabic calligraphy in the market.
A circulating video on social media depicted the girl seeking shelter in a shop, visibly frightened by the mob’s accusations of blasphemy, a charge that has tragically led to public violence in past incidents across the country.
In the footage, the girl vehemently denied any intention of insulting religion, explaining that attire featuring Arabic calligraphy is common in Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.
Shopkeepers supported her stance, emphasizing the widespread acceptance of Islamic/Arabic calligraphy in the fashion industry and clarifying that the script on her shirt held no connection to sacred verses.
Despite traders’ explanations, some fervent individuals persisted with blasphemy accusations, prompting one trader to alert the police to prevent any harm to the girl.
Upon police arrival, the situation was escalated to higher authorities due to its sensitivity. Swift action was ordered to ensure the girl’s safety and prevent potential unrest.
A police team intervened, dispersing the crowd and safely escorting the girl to the police station under heightened security measures.
Senior police officials examined the attire and reassured the crowd that no religious disrespect had occurred.
ASP Shehr Bano of Gulberg Circle addressed the mob, urging trust in law enforcement and emphasizing that no blasphemous act had transpired. She personally escorted the girl to safety amid the crowd.
Police officials clarified that the Arabic word ‘Halwa’ on the girl’s attire held no religious significance.
During her brief custody, ASP Gulberg Circle briefed the media, affirming that the script on the girl’s attire bore no relation to Quranic verses.
The girl, in her statement, vehemently denied the blasphemy allegations, citing her religious upbringing as evidence of her respect for Islam.
However, to the disappointment of many, the police compelled the woman to apologize to her aggressors.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from netizens appalled by the injustice witnessed.