Police Ban Female Officers from Wearing Niqab or Burqa While on Duty
In a recent directive from the senior superintendent of police (SSP) operations, women police officers in Faisalabad are now prohibited from wearing niqab, burqa, or gowns over their uniforms while on duty. This decision is part of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring uniformity and enhancing security.
The order specifies that female officers must keep their faces visible during duty hours. SSP (Operations) Hasan Javed stressed the importance of visible identification to mitigate potential security threats. He stated, “When the face is veiled, there is no identification, and a terrorist could disguise themselves in such attire. Therefore, female officers must be easily recognizable.”
This policy highlights the significance of facial visibility for identification purposes, ensuring that all officers can be readily identified while carrying out their duties. The directive is viewed as a proactive step to strengthen security and prevent any misuse of the police uniform.
Station House Officer (SHO) Madiha Irshad confirmed receipt of the orders and assured immediate enforcement. “We have received orders to keep faces visible, and we are implementing this directive promptly,” she affirmed.
The directive is grounded in security concerns, with officials expressing apprehensions that concealing one’s face could pose a significant security risk. Ensuring the visibility of female officers’ faces is deemed crucial for maintaining security and ensuring their proper identification at all times.
