Six dacoits robbed Shabbir Kaimkhani's house, holding him and his family at gunpoint. PHOTO: FILE
A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed, gave two months to the secretary to take such action and submit a compliance report to the court, explaining what action had been initiated against the policemen.
The bench, which also comprised Justice Sajjad Ali Shah as its member, gave these directives while hearing a suo motu case regarding inaction against police officials and officers having patchy service records at the SC’s Karachi Registry.
A day earlier, the apex court had personally summoned the provincial home secretary and provincial chief of police to explain the allegations of discriminatory action against senior policemen.
The home secretary informed the court that the cases of 35 police officers, working in Grade-17, were sent to the services and general administration department for action as per the law.
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The apex court was informed that the home secretary was authorised to take action against the officers in Grade-19.
Justice Ahmed questioned how the home secretary could take impartial action against the officers. A lawyer, representing a junior police officer, alleged that action was not being taken against the senior officers.
Justice Shah then observed that matters of acting against the senior officers were in the hands of politicians, adding that it was well known how ministers work.
The bench sought from the home secretary details of allegations against the officers against whom action had been taken.
Justice Ahmed remarked that it seemed as if everyone was more interested in saving their skin rather than serving the public.
The bench reprimanded the home secretary and remarked that he should perform his duties better instead of “mastering the public”.
Justice Ahmed asked Sindh Inspector-General of Police Allah Dino Khawaja if he was aware of the discrimination in action against the officers of his police force but had failed to take notice of the same.
IG Khawaja informed the court that recommendations were sent to the competent authority for taking action against the senior officers who had patchy backgrounds.
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Justice Ahmed remarked that looking at the manner in which the affairs of the police department was being handled, everyone in the department had better resign.
The top court’s judge told the home secretary to treat everyone equally, as the senior officers could not be forgiven looking at their patchy backgrounds.
The SC bench directed the federal government to take action against the senior police officers within two months. It also told the secretary of the establishment division to submit a report explaining what action had been initiated against such officers in compliance with the court’s directives. Meanwhile, the bench also directed the provincial home secretary to furnish the details, mentioning the nature of allegations and action taken against senior police officers.
Talking to reporters outside the courtroom, IG Khawaja said departmental action had been taken against those police officers who had patchy service records. He said penalties were awarded to 184 officers in Grade-16 and below, adding that he had no authority to act against officers in Grade-17 and above. IG Khawaja said 31 officers of Grade-17 were involved in criminal activities, while 35 officers of Grades-18 to 21 were also facing inquiries.
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