Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Sherry Rehman has voiced her concern over the “strict hijab” of the female members of the Islamabad airport security force (ASF).

In a tweet, Rehman wrote, “The new Islamabad Airport is staffed by women ASF ordered to be in strict hijab. ( I asked the women if they were doing so voluntarily while waiting at the security gates. They said it was an order) Are the Zia days back again? On whose orders are women’s bodies policed like this?”

The new Islamabad Airport is staffed by women ASF ordered to be in strict hijab. ( I asked the women if they were doing so voluntarily while waiting at the Security gates. They said it was an order) Are the Zia days back again? On whose orders r women’s bodies policed like this? — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 12, 2018

The senator’s tweet invited mix reviews from the general public.

Every woman has the right to choose whether to cover her head or not, it’s not the state or her employer’s business to dictate her personal choices. Also, are ASF men being forced to wear skull caps & turbans? If not, then this order is not only oppressive but also discriminatory — Haider Imtiaz (@mhaiderimtiaz) May 12, 2018

Women empowerment in establishment is in highly in need — Wazim 🇵🇰 (@iamwasim007) May 12, 2018

Agreed. And yes we are in Zia era look what’s happening to PTM in Karachi. Is PPP the new DEMOCRATS of Pakistan which has no solid stance but works on tokenistic measures like nominating women and minorities to positions of Power. Raise your voice where it matters @BBhuttoZardari — jasir shahbaz (@jasirshahbaz) May 12, 2018

Pakistan could not progress since last 4 decades bcz the country is contaminated by zia’s virus of hypocrisy and fake religion — CommonMan (@jawedtaharafay) May 12, 2018

It’s not a bad thing if it’s part of a uniform.We donot say Zia days are back but it is to encourage women from good families to feel comfortable during work also to change mind set of general public.Bcz many people still think women who work on the airport are of low category — Kinza Abbasi (@kinzaabbaci) May 12, 2018

Wow according to your logic now a dress will decide what is good and what is bad?. We need to educate our people that how to respect a woman. We should not care, what she is wearing. — Zohaib (@Zohaib51400113) May 12, 2018

Being a Muslim woman, everyone should be in a proper Hijab by considering it an Islamic command and to protect herself. Allah, commands to Ummul Momineen that be in veil. Mrs. Sherry Rahman, being an opposition leader in Senate, pass a bill that turns Niqab mandatory for women. — Hanif Khan (@HanifKh93576051) May 12, 2018

Senator you have a problem with scarves only or the whole uniform? You think airport staff shouldn’t be forced to wear uniforms? Or you just can’t stand scarves? Just want to understand you wanted staff to volunteer for uniforms or scarves only? — Ali Hasnain Yousfani (@AliYousfani) May 12, 2018