Profile: For Karachi’s mean streets, Chaudhry Aslam is a meaner cop
The man, dressed as always in his starched white shalwar kameez with open front buttons and a flashy watch, Aslam proved once again on Monday that no one can faze him.
Eyewitnesses say that after the explosion, when a black cloud engulfed the entire neighbourhood, it was Aslam himself who got out first from his bungalow to pick up the dead and injured.
At the time of the attack, Aslam, his wife and children were at home. Even though the front of the house was blown away, luckily, all of his family members escaped serious injuries.
The 50-year-old had only one message for the terrorists who destroyed his home. “I will bury the attackers in the same place here,” he said as he pointed to the 8 by 6 foot crater. “I will not step back. I will carry on with my jihad [against the terrorists] until the day of judgement.”
It has been a long journey for the chain-smoking officer, who rose from the low-ranking position of an assistant sub-inspector to his current rank of senior superintendent of police. Although Aslam didn’t clear the CSS examination that would have made him a prestigious PSP officer, he was promoted each time because he managed to catch the big fish.
Aslam joined the force in 1987. He became the inspector and station house officer for the Kalakot police station in 1991 and then SHO for Gulbahar in 1994. He is one of the few officers left alive among those who participated in the infamous clean-up operation against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in the 1990s.
In fact, his promotion to deputy superintendent of police (DSP) in 1999 came after he caught the notorious hitman of a major political party, Saulat Mirza, who was convicted of murdering the then managing director of KESC, Shahid Hamid.
In 2005, he was promoted from DSP to superintendent of police after he arrested underworld don Shoaib Khan. As an SP, he headed the Lyari Task Force and went head on to clamp down on the mafia run by Lyari gangsters Rehman Dakait and Arshad Pappu. Dakait was eventually killed in an encounter by a police team headed by Aslam in 2010.
His first assignment with the Crime Investigation Department came between August 2008 and May 2009, when he headed the investigation wing at Civil Lines. (The Civil Lines office was wrecked in a massive car and bomb attack in November 2010.) Aslam rejoined the CID as head of the Counter Terrorism Unit and as chief of the Anti-Extremism Cell in July 2010, a post that he maintains to this day at his office in Garden.
Due to the nature of Aslam’s work, his enemies today are as countless and varied as the techniques he’s used to nab them. They range from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi to drug-runners in Lyari and militants belonging to major political parties. In fact, this is not the first time that Aslam has survived an assassination attempt. In January 2006, gunmen associated with a major political party attacked Aslam in Defence’s Gizri.
Aslam’s career too has been rife with controversy, the most infamous case of which was that of Rasool Baksh Brohi. In fact, Aslam was sent to Central jail between July 2006 and December 2007 for allegedly killing the man in a fake encounter. While Aslam maintained that Brohi was a criminal wanted in numerous cases, the SSP was accused of killing an innocent man mistaken for notorious criminal Mashooq Brohi. The Supreme Court acquitted Aslam of all charges.
Chaudhry is a decorated grade 18 officer and his achievements include a Pakistan Police Medal, Qauid-e-Azam Police Medal and the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz awarded by the president on March 23 this year. Senior police officer Omar Shahid, who until recently was working with Aslam at the CID before leaving for London on an assignment, said one had to admire the merit of people like Aslam. “If he hadn’t done some big things, the terrorists wouldn’t be after him, now would they?”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2011.
COMMENTS (90)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1725877703-0/Tribune-Pic-(5)1725877703-0-165x106.webp "article")
1726722687-0/Express-Tribune-Web-(9)1726722687-0-270x192.webp "instability hurts progress cm punjab")
i wonder if he is that brave, why did he shifted to a secured place like navy housing scheme at karsaz, which costed him around 3 crore PKR!?! plus how did he managed to raise so much amount of money? not to mention the grand cruiser, hilux turbo (2x), carollas (2x) and city (2x)? :s
well done sir...u r real dabang ssp we love u and we are with u
one word ! bravo aslam sahib. he is the dirty harry of east. pakistan needs a lot of people like him. magnum 44.
Brilliant. I have some hope. More like this please
For the love of God, HE IS SSP CID, WHICH OPERATES COVERTLY AND DOES NOT REQUIRE A UNIFORM TO BE WORN. SPECIAL BRANCH, CIA and the CID do not wear uniforms.
Instead of bothering about where he is living,we must see what services for the society he has randered.He is a brave officer.He has already won a lot of medels for his bravery. I solute him.Buck up Chowdhry saihib.
@TightDhoti: There are two questions that you bring up: I will answer them one by one. Firstly, he affords a house in DHA. How? Well, do you know of his family background? Maybe he is from a rich background so he can afford this house? or maybe he has a side business? What do we know - nothing. Secondly, why doesn't he wear uniform? After reading this article and getting to know all his sacrifices and achievements, if this is your complain then i guess that's very sad. Rather than saluting this brave officer for sacrificing his life and his family for the peace of Karachi, we are here complaining why doesn't he wear uniform. It's not the uniform that matters, it's the man behind that uniform that counts. We as a nation should celebrate our heroes who are defending our nation against evil and crime. This includes both army and police!
long live chodree
How come this guy afford living in DHA? How come he killed an innocent citizen by mistake? How come he says he will burry those who committed this sin in the same ditch created in front of his house? How come he was declared as a criminal and then resumed his services? How come he promoted to higer positions without the required qualification? too many questions..... No answers because, majority of this police department is curropted. These curropted policemen should be killed with no mercy on street. PERIOD
I never comment on blogs but here I feel compelled. Almost all the cops in our country(yes unfortunately 99.99%) are 'corrupt' and 'inefficient' ,but how so amazing that we don't recognize the fact that this ('corrupt') person has endangered the life of his family members for 'us'. He is living in a posh house and this means that the terrorist whom he arrested are good people as they killed innocent children and passers by (while trying to eliminate this corrupt man)???? What more was he demanding some money from terrorists for some kind of ,let's say interior decoration at his 'posh' bunglow??? No man. He was doing some risky tasks for this nation state. That's the point. So a big round of applause is what needed at this point and not his fiscal audit.
I can only admire the majority of people who praise SSP Aslam, unfortunately I belong to the nation who in majority admire such a terrorist in uniform. You can understand his mischievious activities behind his promotions.
Lets do some math.....For the sake of the arguments...... suppose he is working as SSP for last 30 years(The fast track promotion came last 4 yers back without PSP exam) .The base salary for SSP position is RS.16835 per month with TA DA and All Allowances just add another extra Rs7000..The Total salary comes up Rs 23835. Now do the simple Math.. Yearly Salary..... will be Rs 286020..... Let do this, if he and his whole family dont eat and dont spend any single Rupees and just save for 30 years. The Total comes up around 85 Lakhs... The plot he has a registry for 4 years back ... (Please check with DHA registration the book value at that time was 110 lakh) . So the Questions Are:- 1- How he made that kind of money? 2- May be Winning a Lottery (It is illegal in Pakistan) 3- I am not sure he belongs to any landlord or a rich family......(Please Ask him his previous residence hyderabad, then chawkiwada Police lines Flat!!!!)? 4. Is he a friend of Pakistani President? .....................................Jagtay Rahoooooo warna ....................
So one reads that the 'Sultan Rahi of the Sindh police force' has been involved in the extra-judicial murder of criminals and cases of torture in the thanas. Sadly it sums up the miserable state of our country where it now takes a 'criminal' to fix worse criminals. No, I won't eulogise this man, instead I'll shed a few more tears for the innocent dead and the utter mess that has been made of Karachi and the rest of the Pakistan.
TTP terrorists are planning to capture areas again like what happened in Swat, our judicial system is weak they evict terrorists, we need brave officers like him who has courage to fight with terrorists and finish them, he is BEST in worst conditions.
Keep it up man!!! By the way, Sulat Mirza was a terrorist of MQM, and it is time to raise your voice against parties involved in criminal activities.
I solute him.. People like him are the real diamonds... Hats off to him and his family! May ALLAH Always Be With him and his family! Aameen
How did he manage to buy that house in DHA and have a cook too? He certainly is no clean guy. Aslam like others like him have an agenda and we must always understand whom he works for before we clamour for him.
I can't help but get amused by all the people who are questioning how a Grade-18 officer can afford such a residence. My dad is currently a Grade-22 officer, and we have had, more or less the same standard of living since he was a Grade-17 officer. Not because he's corrupt but because he had and has agricultural lands and has been wisely investing the income from that in small businesses that complement his government salary. We need to realize the gravity of the situation and not question (at least at this moment) the integrity of an officer who had a 300 kilogram bomb detonated outside his house's gate. Let's not let our hardwired cynicism surface at every comments forum.
Brave man & breleent officer
@TightDhoti:
Sir, why is it the empty part of the glass which we ever see?
@Karim Javed: even with his salary and privileges combined together, do you think he can afford to send his children to good schools, have a DHA standard of living and pay for kitchen bills at the same time?
ajmal pahari n last operation in khi n prznt JIT reports ka reaction to na h ye blast????
'Living beyond the means' is the repeated expressed by people. First of all he's an SSP grade 19/20. As per government accommodation rules (though dated back to Colonial time, but still valid) officer of grade 17 is authorized 9-kenal house. If government fails to provide the house, the officer is entitled to hire a compatible house (rent born by the government)
@Haider:how muich peoples get punished in court?????
love him
His personality like a tiger. i request to other police officers.kindly join and help this brave man to safe people of Karachi and Pakistan.we need more people like this.
@TightDhoti: what a sad and populist remark....this man is standing up for you and staring down the worst taliban scum.... he is a rare pakistani hero.... give him some respect and give us all a break! why can't he have a house in DHA when every tom, dick and harry has a house in DHA? and to think that this man puts his own life and the safety of his family on the line for ingrates like you! i suppose thats what makes him a true hero unlike commoners like you who are part of the problem
@Karim Javed......anyone can live in DHA???.......what are you smoking ....pass the joint please
@TightDhoti:
Yeh you are right how he can live in DHA, but you forgot to mention he is a SSP in CID branch, and also this is one of the main reason not wear uniform.
Its been 64 Years yet Pakistan has failed to acknowledged its own existance,let alone the rest of the world. Its been 64 years yet we point fingers on others rather not realzing the rest of them points back at our selves, points back to us hoping for one day we realize it is US! just US!. We are what we are! we are weak and that is nobody else fault.Evil always prevails, its upto us only we the people can limit it if not eliminate it from our sociaty, a sociaty which is run by the love of mothers! rest asure is a sociaty that never dies! Forget what we have been taught over the years, Pakistan has no danger , no danger that can not be delt with, Have faith in Allah, Have faith in People!. It will always start with ourself!. Are you ready to re-born as A Pakistani? Does anyone out there Thinks about this country just for a moment just for while.... before going to sleep on a land that has always loved us, ...... i do.... and it hurts ..... These things u witness everyday can be stopped! with Education, sacrifice, sacrifice, and more sacrifice. I say Sacrifice because we should be ready to Sacrifice everything for our Country for our sociaty for our people and for ourselves!. I tell you there is hope! there is hope here! i have seen it!.... They hurt us because we are weak. Because we are divided , Because we may have never been teached about the Flag we hold .... ....the next time you witness a Catastrophe ask yourself .... ARE YOU READY?... God speed good people! Long live Pakistan!
Saad
@TightDhoti, hasn't your question contributed many readers to react?. You must have said something which went beyond @Amir, perhaps.
Apart from endangering citizens of Karachi this Chaudhry has amassed a big wealth from himself. The salary package for 18 Grade officer by no means can sustain an extravagant life style in Phase 8 DHA. Mr. Chaudhry has done quite spme business being the SHO police in the last 2 decades. Policemen should live in the POLICE QUARTERS that are allotted to them by the Government and not give them on rent and choose to live in Residential areas endangering the lives of innocent people. I think that is why the Hawksbay SHO chooses to live in his Police station to protect his family from such dangerous criminals.
No doubt Chaudhry sahab has won many medals and held many criminals back, but isn't that his job too? I mean, you and me are not supposed to throw criminals in jails and stage fake encounters. Now we find one Police officer doing his duty and we are all gaga about him. What about all the Thaanaas which are sold for each posting.
Chaudhry sahab you are doing a good job. But please do not endanger the lives of innocent citizens of this country. Please avoid using your property so close to the school district. Thank you. Proud of your work. But concerned about your wealth.
Jiyo hazaron saal! Bless you and your family.
No matter how corrupt he is. All is good till he get the job done. It's better to atleast have a corrupt efficient police officer then a corrupt inefficient officer.
He is the right man for the job and many more like him are required if terrorism is to be controlled in Pakistan. Some innocents may also die but thats the price the country has to pay if they want peace in Pakistan. The super cop of India KPS Gill DGP, brought peace in Indian Punjab by ruthless handeling of terrorists in which some innocent young boys also got killed.
hats off .....need more people like you Sir....
I fully endorse views of bling bling and tightdhoti. Those who are performing well should be scrutinsed more strictly on why they are living in a decent house and what are there backgrounds etc. Those who are corrupt and not performing at all should be exempted from all types of investigations. How ridiculous.
Ok first of all everyone should be aware that ph8 is a developing are and the prices of the plots pretty cheap compared to the developed phases,before coming to a conclusion we should keep in mind that he could have gotten the plot way way back when the price was say 20laks OR he could have been gifted that plot by his susar jee or some other legitimate source because those are all the possibilities.
@ Amir:
These questions do have a relevance and very valid discussion points. The answers would establish the fact that Chulbul Pandey is a corrupt officer, and what goes round comes around. You get the point?
For god sake have some shame the man was attacked because he was doing his job can we forget about his cloths watch and house and focus on the fact that unless we push men like this to catch terrorists more mothers and school children will die.
Many questions are being asked as to how a 18 grade officer afford to live in a posh locality in a pos house. Also his own (police officer) credibility is questioned. Some say he is corrupt and some even go further. I would only like to remind the authorities that such vulnerable people should not be allowed to live in localities where innocent people live and who are no targets. I am sure the police has provisions of giving living quarters to these officers.
Bravo Cop.. We hope to get such cops in all states of India.
He is a hero because he is doing the dirty work that noone would. Tomorrow someone will pay for another house in DHA and he will do their dirty work as well.
Why people are afraid to name the political Party of Karachi whose culprit was killed by SSP.If the culprit belonged to a party he should be named in all newspapers so that people would know how these poilitcal parties who claim themselves to be pro Pakistanis and innocent are criminal gangs inside.They are running these mafias to collect Bathas from innocent public who can not protect themselves.Only Allah can save Pakistan and its integrity from these Vultures who are sitting overseas and calling themselves as servants of people.
We need to realize that extra ordianry situations need extra ordinary measures. Because of the "Deep state" and the "Establishment", we have always been in extraordinary circumstances. Look at the world. Is there a single country on the face of this planet, who looks like ours? so we need to adopt means to cope with this situation. Good Job Mr. A.
It is officers like these, that is the reason why Pakistan is still running and there is a semblance of law and order in our streets. I salute you sir.
@Haider: yeah, there are still some people among us who are in the state of denial.... Every thing, America did this, we are angels...... this attitude has led us to where we are today....
Salute.....proud of you ....brave never dies....you will live long and finish those criminals....kill and send them to hell whatever way you want...this is a real Jehad and God will bless you with more power and courage...Z
@Haider Hussain: Had he been living in some other small colonies, he would have been killed a long ago. We must keep in mind the safety of such people. His achievements are worth more than his DHA dwelling. And BTW when we as a nation stop pulling the legs of those who dare to benefit the nation
@Haider: Bringing criminals to the courts... where 4500 cases of notorious criminals including TTP are still waiting and at the end they will be evicted and business as usuall. Best apporach is to kill the criminal onsite to save time and resources
@TightDhoti: Does your question realy serve the purpose of discussion ? Or you just try to say something ?
I want the answer to the same question as TightDhoti, how can he afford to live in DHA? I hope ExTrib carries out some investigative work and let the readers know. Thanks.
hmmmm,...som thing is worong in his profile
this world is tainted in shades of gray...one thing is for sure...we need ppl like this gentlemen to clean up our streets....we are ever so proud of you guys...your job is not the most popular one...when the streets are rife with crime and hypocrisy and justice served at personal discretion...Gentlemen such as Chaudry Aslam are indeed our solution..Carry On sir!
How does he own a 1000 sq yds plus home in DHA, with all the accompanying shenanigans, my father has been a grade 19 and 20 government officer...without even getting close to the moolah required for such a place.
Chaudhry sb. your achievement are flattering and I respect that. But how on earth can a grade-18 officer manage to live in DHA?????
the fact that he was the ace officer in operation clean up and that he killed rehman dakait on the calling of zardari and that he owns a castle in the midst of DHA.........makes him more of a henchman of the current politicians rather than the Alpha cop........open your eyes people.
@TightDhoti : He is SSP of CID not local police or community police. He can manage to live in DHA anyone can.
SSP and owns a house in DHA 8 does he pocket al the reward money for himself that his team is supposed to get with each capture?
Which political party this hitman belonged to???
Respect! Generally this word is never associated to our Police Force which is unfortunate, but it seems that you defy all those myths. May Allah be with you in this struggle.
I never comment on these but to "Tightdhoti" (the first comment on the top) has proven that Pakistanis are fickle.
KEEP THE GOOD WORK WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE U IN OUR COUNTRY GOOD LUCK
"While Aslam maintained that Brohi was a criminal wanted in numerous cases" . How that justifies a FAKE encounter. He is also known for torturing "Suspects" not proven guilty yet. He is a typical Pakistani cop, who employs tourture and extra juditial killings. I can guarantee not all he killed in encouters and tortured were criminals. Two wrongs do not make a right. Our streets and innocent people are not any safer because of him. We need some modern technology for investigation and a fair and efficient justice system.
Great story he is an good and brave person god bless him
He is cool man!
This man is the real hero. I salute you Sir.
Wow. A real life hero. Cool.
So proud of this guy, may Allah give him long life with good health so he could help Pakistan get rid of extremists. I wish there are more people like him.
How come you guys never mention which "major political party" is it ?
Salute
Why is Express Tribune so afraid of telling its readers that Saulat Mirza was a member of MQM rather than writing "hitman of a major political party"?
He should be appointed Chief of All Armed Forces.
Killing of Rehman Dakait has become controversial after Zulfiqar Mirza's statements. Why we admire policemen who kill people in encounters. Their job is to bring them to court. Why he is sitting on news channels toeing American line of pointing every finger towards Waziristan where America wants to operate militarily these days. Everyone should do his duty honestly and that is enough. We are in a very bad law and order situation, still some people want to be known as Sultan Rahi or a hero
That light at the end of the tunnel is not a train; it is people like Aslam. I felt a strong rush of hope after reading this.
I salute you Sir. May Allah keep you and your family and all innocent people, civilian or in uniform safe from these terrorists.
I am almost in tears. You are a hero sir. As long as we have people like you, we shall prevail.
Brave man! Very brave!
A rare courageous and good police officer. TTP is in the terrorism business so its very likely criminal mafias bought a suicide attacker from the TTP.
great courage sir.. Fight on
With respect, how does an 18 grade government officer, with no military background, afford to live in DHA...and why exactly does he not wear his uniform?