LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday again chose to don uniform of the Punjab police – this time of the Elite Force – as she attended the passing-out parade ceremony held at the Elite Training Centre, Bedian.

In April last, Maryam Nawaz had caused quite a stir when she arrived at a passing-out ceremony for women constables and traffic assistants in the Punjab police uniform.

Like the previous occasion, the issue again was among the top trends on social media, with many users questioning the logic behind the chief minister donning police uniform.

On the occasion, women Elite commandos’ assault team demonstrated moving fire, along the smoke screen. The commandos also presented a demonstration of disembarking injured persons and goods from a high-rise.

Like the previous occasion, Ms Nawaz inspected the parade standing in a jeep. She also distributed prizes among the commandos for their extraordinary performance during their training, besides inspecting the latest weapons used by the Elite Force.

The chief minister also had a photograph session with the women commandos.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister said:“ I am feeling the same amount of joy which you are feeling while participating in the passing-out parade, wearing the Elite Police uniform. I have donned the uniform to express solidarity with you.”

She praised Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, saying he is a very dynamic officer and lauded the changes he brought about in the police force.

“I am fully backing the police force and will provide all facilities and technology to them. All resources will be utilised to enhance abilities of the police force,” she said and added the police check posts are facing attacks on the Punjab border which were bravely combated by the policemen.

She said the police had been provided eight latest thermal imaging cameras to counter terrorists.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2024