Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister readjusted a woman police officer’s dupatta after it slipped from her head. Caught on camera by her PR team the video went viral, the barrage of comments & views is an indication of the sharp polarization in the society.
The caption of the clip calls it a moment of “compassion and understanding”. Many feel that it was ‘moral policing’ by Maryam, conveying how women should dress. They opine dressing is a personal matter and the Chief Minister invaded the personal space of the police officer. The supporters are quick to point out the lady police officer was already wearing the dupatta on her head, and as it had slipped, the Chief Minister merely ‘fixed’ it.
Chinese President, Premier felicitate Shehbaz Sharif on his election as PM
Security intensified in IIOJK ahead of Modi’s visit
Women International Film Festival begins in Islamabad
For more such opinions & blogs, click here.
The important thing here is to understand that Maryam Nawaz is no longer just Maryam Nawaz. She is Maryam Nawaz, the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab. She will be closely watched, and her actions judged by analysts & opponents both.
The PR team in their overzealousness made the moment into a PR stunt show. The second mistake was the choice of words in the title was inappropriate. The term ‘compassionate’ implies feeling or showing sympathy and a desire to help others, while ‘understanding’ refers to knowledge about a subject or situation. The use of these terms in the context of the video was misguided.
World Wildlife Day being observed today
Pakistan condemns India’s high handedness in seizure of commercial goods
People express satisfaction over resumption of trade activities between Pakistan, Afghanistan
On a personal level, any physical closeness in an official capacity is highly inappropriate. A senior adjusting a junior’s garment, no matter how positive the intention, is simply unacceptable in an official environment.
If the act was indeed ‘compassionate,’ the most compassionate gesture would have been to refrain from sharing it on social media altogether. This would have respected the sanctity of the hijab and upheld the dignity of the individuals involved.
For more such opinions & blogs, click here.
Election of President will be held on Saturday next
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif elected as Prime Minister
US Makes its First Gaza Aid Airdrop as Mediators to Seek Truce Deal
Spanish tourist woman gang-raped in India
The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for more. Download our app for the latest news, updates & interesting content!
Leave a reply
