Beyond jurisdictions: G-B home dept voices concern over vehicle inspection

Says activity is illegal, conducted without permission from govt

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan home department has expressed its displeasure over checking and detaining of vehicles by the Punjab police within the limits of G-B.

The Anti-Car Lifting Cell of Punjab police reportedly conducted a thorough search of vehicles in G-B as part of its drive to recover stolen vehicles. The Punjab police impounded several cars during the search and were assisted by police officials from G-B.

“[Such] activity is illegal because it was conducted without permission from the G-B government,” a home department official told The Express Tribune on Tuesday. “As a result, the home secretary has taken notice of these activities by the Punjab police.”

Detailed report

Earlier, the G-B home department also issued a letter to the IGP, deputy commissioner and the excise and taxation department, asking them to stop such activity immediately.

In his letter, Home Department Deputy Secretary Muhammad Farooq Lone asked the IGP, deputy commissioner and excise secretary to submit a detailed report so the matter could be discussed at a higher level.

“The vehicles that were [impounded] during checking will be returned immediately to the possessors till a formal decision [is taken by] competent authorities,” the letter added.

Investigation stage

A police official said the orders have been complied with and the activities have been stopped.

“Police officials from Punjab have been stopped and are being questioned about their role as they were not supposed to conduct such activities without seeking permission in advance,” the police official told The Express Tribune.

G-B has been an ideal market for non-customs paid and stolen vehicles over the years. Most of these vehicles are transported from K-P.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2016.