Unsung heroes ‘overlooked’ in Ichhra Bazaar rescue

Shopkeeper risked life to shield woman; low-ranking police officials lament 'discrimination'

LAHORE:

While ASP Gulberg Shehrbano Naqvi received well-deserved accolades for her role in averting a tragedy fuelled by blasphemy allegations, the spotlight has seemed to inadvertently dim the heroic actions of other unsung figures who risked life and property.

Among the silent champions, a shopkeeper and two courageous salesmen played a crucial role in shielding the woman from an angry mob before the police could arrive.

Johnson Tariq, the quick-thinking owner of a food point, took the bold move to secure the woman within his shop as the belligerent mob outside clamoured to chop her into pieces. Meanwhile, two salesmen formed a human chain, attempting to calm the approaching mob that sought to breach the shop, even risking arson.

The incident unfolded when a frenzy erupted outside a shop in Ichhra Bazaar, triggered by an allegation that a woman's shirt bore Quranic verses, leading to cries of "blasphemy."

As per the details, the woman, wearing the shirt, was strolling through the bazaar with her husband when a man, noticing the Arabic calligraphy, began following the couple, eventually intercepting the woman near Pakistan Chowk, demanding she change her shirt.

When she asked him to leave and do his own job, the man persisted and, at one point, even attempted to strip her of the shirt. In reaction, she shouted at him and cried out for help. The situation escalated, leading to a large crowd charging towards the woman upon hearing allegations of blasphemy.

Seeking refuge in a nearby food point, the woman faced a volatile mob, with one suspect brandishing a knife, threatening harm.
In no time, the entire street was galvanised against the woman with tensions reaching crescendo over her refusal to remove the shirt and charges of blasphemy.

Sensing the escalating tension, she sought refuge in a nearby eatery. The unruly mob was spiralling out of control, unleashing vehement threats. A perpetrator emerged, brandishing a sharp-edged knife, menacingly vowing to dismember the victim, accusing her of affronting the religious sentiments of Muslims.

Wisely, Johnson Tariq, the shop owner, swiftly lowered the shutter and secured it from within. Despite the mob's menacing threats to set the shop ablaze, two salesmen valiantly stood guard outside.

Simultaneously, the police arrived and intervened to bring the situation under control.

Prior to ASP Shehrbano's arrival, an ASI from Ichra Police, followed by SHO Bilal Ahmad, had already secured the premises. SP Model Town Irtaza Komail, accompanied by police officials from nearby stations, had also arrived at the scene to support senior officers in managing the law-and-order situation.

However, beneath the surface, a wave of discontent swelled among the police ranks. ASP Shehrbano received official accolades, while the efforts of the rank-and-file, particularly the shopkeeper and salesmen, went unnoticed.

Allegations of discrimination against rankers by the PSP cadre dominated the department, echoing a longstanding norm where rankers undertook groundwork, only for PSP officers to claim credit and accolades.

According to a low-ranking officer, the disparity was due to discriminatory practices against lower-ranking personnel by the predominant PSP cadre within the department.

Traditionally, he lamented, the norm within the department involved rankers carrying out the groundwork, while the PSP members received nominations for awards and medals, often claiming credit for the work done by their subordinates.

The story behind registration of FIR

The drama continued at the police station, where the mob insisted on filing an FIR against the woman, claiming an offence despite the Arabic calligraphy. Local religious leaders demanded a public apology, captured in a video officially released in the presence of ASP Shehrbano and other officers.

Reluctant due to potential backlash, the police hesitated to take any action nor register a case, only doing so after intervention from top government authorities, particularly the newly elected government.

It is pertinent to note that PML-N leaders, including Khawaja Saad Rafique, have promised strict action against such incidents during their election campaigns.

During its previous term, the PML-N had to endure the brunt of such elements, facing multiple attacks and humiliations as their leaders were accused of playing a role in a bill aimed at amending blasphemy laws.

The gravity of the issue was reportedly recognised within the military top brass, spurred by recent incidents, including a smear campaign on social media against a former chief of army staff and a TLP's long march to Islamabad over the blasphemy issue.

This occurred just ahead of the appointment of a new army chief and the change of DG ISI.

In response, an FIR has been filed against five nominated accused persons and hundreds of unidentified suspects. The case has been sealed and subsequently transferred to the investigations wing for further examination.