‘No More Oye, Say Sir Or Madam’: Maryam Nawaz Tells Pakistani Cops To Speak To Public Gently

Last Updated:February 15, 2026, 20:31 IST

The chief minister added that police personnel who patrol or deal with the public should also maintain appropriate body language.

Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed police personnel to adopt a more respectful and polite tone while interacting with the public, saying casual or rude language will no longer be tolerated.

“Police in Punjab often address citizens in public spaces with ‘oye’ rather than speaking to them gently," Maryam Nawaz said during a meeting on police reforms in Lahore.

“Do not violate the dignity of the public. There is a need for accountability and unlearning harmful attitudes," she said.

The Pakistan’s Punjab CM directed that at all police stations, offices and checkpoints, citizens should be addressed respectfully as “sir or madam" or “sahib or sahiba".

She said immediate steps should be taken to “groom" policemen.

“There are numerous complaints of intimidating behaviour of policemen. Teach them how to talk to people and groom them mentally as well. The police officials will not be permitted to interact with people if they refuse to address them as sir or madam," Maryam said.

The chief minister added that police personnel who patrol or deal with the public should also maintain appropriate body language.

Maryam also directed policemen to wear body cameras. All Punjab Police and traffic personnel will be provided with body cams in phases over the next two months.

(With inputs from PTI)

News world ‘No More Oye, Say Sir Or Madam’: Maryam Nawaz Tells Pakistani Cops To Speak To Public Gently

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