Actor Saba Qamar has responded to a brewing controversy over her appearance in a Punjab Police uniform, after a petition was filed in the Lahore sessions court seeking the registration of a criminal case against her.
In an Instagram story, she shared a screenshot of the news about the petition alongside a letter dated September 2021, written to the deputy inspector general of Lahore operations, requesting permission to buy and use a police uniform for a “DGPR Punjab project aimed at Pakistan’s image betterment”.
Along with the letter and screenshot, the ‘Baaghi’ star described the petition as an attempt to gain “publicity” using her fame, asking critics to “kindly look elsewhere for publicity”. She stressed that everything she has achieved comes from “hard work”, urging detractors to “focus on your own journey [as] your time will come.”
The petition before the additional sessions judge relates to a behind-the-scenes video and two photographs that reportedly circulated on social media during the airing of the 2023 drama ‘Serial Killer’, in which Qamar played Superintendent of Police Sarah Sikander.
The petitioner, identified as citizen Wasim Zawar, claimed the actor appeared in a dressing room wearing a police uniform and displaying an SP rank badge. He argued that a no-objection certificate from the authorities is required before anyone may wear a police uniform or insignia.
He informed the court that an earlier application had been submitted to the Old Anarkali police station seeking the registration of a case, but no action followed. The court heard preliminary arguments and adjourned proceedings, directing the police to submit a report on the issue by January 14.
The plea maintains that offences were committed under Section 171 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which concerns wearing the garb or carrying a token used by a public servant with fraudulent intent, and Section 419, dealing with cheating by personation.
While the petition does not challenge Qamar’s use of the uniform within the drama itself – for which a valid NOC was obtained – it questions the alleged use of the attire in social media content unrelated to the show, arguing this could mislead the public and erode trust in law enforcement institutions.
Legal observers note that cases involving impersonation or the misuse of official uniforms are treated seriously under Pakistani law, particularly when widely recognised public figures are involved, and the court has sought clarity on whether any formal permission existed for the disputed footage.
Earlier reporting on the case stated that neither Qamar nor her representatives had issued an official statement about the allegations; however, the actor has now shared the 2021 request letter publicly and dismissed the petition as a publicity move, while further legal proceedings are expected after the police report is filed.
