This is the shocking moment an extremist mob threatened to behead a Pakistani woman after mistaking her dress markings as blasphemous messages.

The woman sparked public fury when she wore the colourful dress emblazoned with the Arabic word 'Halwa' meaning 'beautiful' while strolling down the streets of Lahore, Pakistan, on February 25.

However, the deeply religious Islamist locals took offense with her clothing, mistaking the design for Quranic verses. It would have been offensive if they were printed on a dress.

They descended on the woman, who took refuge inside a restaurant, as hundreds of murderous people crowded outside. Police later arrived to control the situation.

Footage shows the unnamed woman covering her face as she cowered in a corner of the shop while the barbaric mob clamoured for her to face them.

A female officer, ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, was later seen trying to pacify the crowd, saying: 'I have been serving as an ASP for one year now, and have not received any complaints. I have handled three such incidents during my service and you should have faith in police.'

The woman, who had then changed into a muted black robe, was escorted out of the restaurant as police held back the locals.

She was taken to the police station, where scholars confirmed that the marking on her dress were not Quran verses.

The lady told officers she was shopping in Lahore and did not intend to offend the public. She said in a video apology that she herself was a devout Muslim, adding: 'I didn't have any such intention, it happened by mistake. Still I apologise for all that happened, and I'll make sure it never happens again.'

Authorities said the woman has left the city.

Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, former Special Representative on Religious Harmony and the Middle East, said in an online statement that the crowd, instead of the woman, should be made to apologise for their behaviour.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Punjab Dr Usman Anwar said the female cop ASP Syeda will be commended for her rescuing the woman.

He said: 'Quaid-e-Azam Police medal will be requested to be given to SDPO Gulbarg Lahore ASP Syeda Shahrbano Naqvi, for showing unprecedented courage and bravery and risking her life to save the female citizen from the angry mob during the situation.

'Recommendations are being sent to the government of Pakistan to award the medal, the highest gallantry award for law enforcement in Pakistan.'

ASP Syeda expressed relief that the incident was settled, saying: 'Had I not screamed and had I not convinced the crowd that we will do something about it, it would have turned nastier. Thank God.'

Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, with human rights groups claiming the law has been weaponised to persecute minorities in the country.