Petition filed against Saba Qamar over police uniform

Actor Saba Qamar is facing legal scrutiny, concerning a police uniform, a dressing room, and a drama that aired two years ago.

A petition, filed in a Lahore sessions court, is requesting the registration of a criminal case against the actor for wearing a Punjab Police uniform in a behind-the-scenes video and two photographs that circulated on social media during the drama's airing.

Neither the video nor the images are currently available on Qamar's social media accounts. The footage reportedly showed the actor in a dressing room having her hair done while wearing the uniform along with an SP badge.

The case has drawn attention on social media, raising questions about the use of official attire by public figures for professional or promotional purposes.

The uniform in question was worn by Qamar as part of her role in the 2023 drama Serial Killer, in which she portrayed Superintendent of Police Sarah Sikander.

The petition does not challenge Qamar's wearing of the uniform within the drama itself, as the production had obtained a valid no-objection certificate (NOC). The complaint instead focuses on her alleged use of the uniform in social media posts unrelated to the show.

The petition was submitted by a lawyer on behalf of a citizen. In his plea, the petitioner argued that under Pakistani law, no individual is allowed to wear a police uniform or display the insignia and badge of a Senior Police (SP) officer without explicit approval from the relevant authorities. He maintained that such acts could mislead the public and undermine the integrity of law enforcement institutions.

The plea notes that the actor committed offences under Section 171 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relates to wearing the garb or carrying a token used by a public servant with fraudulent intent. The petition also invokes Section 419 of the PPC, which deals with cheating by personation.

The petitioner emphasised that police uniforms and insignia represent state authority and are protected under the law to prevent impersonation, misuse and public deception. Allowing unauthorised use, he argued, could set a dangerous precedent and weaken public trust in law enforcement agencies.

The matter came before Additional Sessions Judge Ilyas Rehan, who, after preliminary hearing, directed the police to submit a report on the issue.

The court has sought clarification on whether any permission or NOC was issued to the actor or any production team in connection with the video in question. The police have been asked to submit their report by January 14.

Legal experts note that cases involving alleged impersonation or misuse of official uniforms are treated seriously under law, particularly when they involve widely recognised public figures.

As of now, neither Qamar nor her representatives have issued an official statement addressing the allegations or clarifying the context in which the uniform was worn.

Further proceedings in the case are expected after the submission of the police report, which will determine the next course of legal action.