Swabi police. Photo: Reuters
SWABI:
A newly appointed Station House Officer (SHO) of Swabi Police Station, Abdul Ali alias Gabar, has been transferred and placed on line attach following backlash over his public comments advising women against shopping alone in markets.
The controversy began shortly after SHO Abdul Ali assumed charge a few days ago. During an open court (khuli katcheri) session at the police station, attended by community elders, reconciliation jirgas, and representatives from various organizations, he appealed for public cooperation in restoring law and order, curbing drug use, gambling, and other crimes.
In his address, the SHO urged that in the current ‘era of fitna’, women, described as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, should feel free to visit markets for shopping but must be accompanied by a male family member such as a father, son, brother, or husband. He reportedly suggested that shopkeepers who had installed curtains or screens in their stores should remove them.
The remarks, captured in a viral video clip, drew sharp criticism. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the statement as “shameful and regressive,” describing it as an insult to the Constitution, society, and the police uniform. The Governor emphasized that police officers exist to protect citizens, not to impose moral judgments or police personal choices, particularly those of women. He called the comments an abuse of authority and demanded action against the officer.
The issue also sparked debate in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, while social media saw divided reactions: some groups criticized the SHO, while many others defended his views as aligned with Sharia principles and Pashtun cultural traditions, pledging full support.
Following the Governor’s intervention and mounting pressure, District Police Officer (DPO) Swabi Ziauddin Ahmed issued transfer orders late last night. SHO Abdul Ali alias Gabar was removed from his post and placed on line attach (close to police lines). SI Ajab Durani was appointed as the new SHO of Swabi Police Station.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between traditional societal norms and modern expectations of gender equality and individual freedoms in public discourse and law enforcement conduct in the region.
