3 Islamabad police officials suspended over harassment complaint by female officers

Female police officers wrote to CJP, interior minister seeking intervention

ISLAMABAD: At least three officials of the Islamabad Police were suspended on Tuesday following an inquiry into an anonymous harassment complaint.

The female officers at Police Lines Headquarters accused their male bosses of sexual harassment, urging the government and judiciary to intervene.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi, Minister of Interior Ahsan Iqbal, ICT chief commissioner Aftab Akbar Durrani and IG Sultan Azam Temuri, female officers claimed they were exploited on a daily basis.

Taking notice of an application submitted by female officers highlighting harassment, AIG Operations Asmatullah Junejo held a ‘darbar’ of all women police officials to address issues pertaining to harassment. Consequently, disciplinary action was initiated against three officers.

Confirming the veracity of the letter, Islamabad Police told The Express Tribune that disciplinary action had been taken against three officers. The anonymous complaint had specified officials working in the offices of DSP, SP and SSP headquarters. They claimed to be exploited into providing sexual favours to get official matters sorted.

The complaint recommended installation of a woman reader to supervise female staff at the Lines Police Station.