A petition has been filed in a Lahore sessions court seeking the registration of a criminal case against actor Saba Qamar over the use of a Punjab Police uniform in a behind-the-scenes video and photographs that circulated on social media two years ago.

 

 

The petition relates to content shared around the time Qamar’s 2023 drama Serial Killer aired on Green Entertainment. In the drama, Qamar portrayed Superintendent of Police Sarah Sikander and wore the police uniform as part of her on-screen role. The production had obtained a valid no-objection certificate (NOC) for the use of the uniform in the show, a point acknowledged in the petition.

 

 

However, the application raises objections to a behind-the-scenes video and two photographs that showed Qamar wearing the Punjab Police uniform with an SP badge in what the petitioner describes as a non-fictional setting. The video reportedly showed the actor in a dressing room while her hair was being styled. 

 

 

The content later circulated on social media but is no longer available on Qamar’s official accounts.

 

 

According to the petition, wearing a police uniform outside a fictional production without permission violates the law. The petitioner argues that no individual is allowed to wear official police attire or insignia without prior authorisation from the relevant authorities. By appearing in uniform in off-screen content, the petition claims, Qamar breached provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code related to impersonation and the misuse of official symbols.

 

 

The application further states that the display of such content could mislead members of the public and affect trust in the Punjab Police. It maintains that the use of the uniform and badge outside the drama’s narrative amounted to an unlawful act and showed disregard for the police institution.

 

 

The petitioner told the court that an earlier request to register a criminal case at the Old Anarkali Police Station was not acted upon. 

 

 

Following the alleged inaction by the police, the petitioner approached the sessions court seeking directions for the registration of a case.

 

 

Additional Sessions Judge Ilyas Rehan heard the petition, which was filed by Waseem Zawar and argued by Advocate Mujaddid Bajwa. 

 

 

After a preliminary hearing, the court sought comments from the police authorities on the matter.

 

 

The court adjourned further proceedings until January 14, directing the police to submit their response before the next hearing.