DPO transferred after stopping first lady’s ex-husband

Policeman says Maneka started abusing officials instead of acting according to the law

LAHORE: The district police officer (DPO) of Pakpattan, who pulled over the former husband of the first lady of Pakistan Bushra Bibi, has been transferred, sources said. Khawer Maneka had been pulled over by the cops for allegedly speeding

The Punjab police spokesperson denied the DPO’s transfer over any pressure. He said IGP Dr Kaleem Imam transferred the DPO for dishonestly, adding higher authorities were aware of the details. DPO Rizwan Omar Gondal allegedly misreported that police officials had been misbehaving with citizens.



The spokesperson said the IGP ordered an inquiry against the DPO for manipulating transfer orders and making the same viral on social and electronic media. “The IGP further said Gondal has been transferred for irresponsible behaviour and lying. The officers responsible for misconduct and misguiding seniors deserve no leniency.”

On August 23, a police team, led by DPO Rizwan Omar Gondal, briefly chased Khawar's car after he did not stop when signaled by the police.  An official, requesting anonymity, said Maneka started abusing police officials instead of acting according to the law.



Later, upon the request of an unidentified influential, the officer was directed to visit Maneka dera, Khawar's residence, and tender an apology to him for intercepting the vehicle. Gondal, during a meeting called by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, refused to apologise. He said the police were simply doing their job.

Shortly after, the DPO was transferred and asked to report to Central Police Office (CPO) in Lahore.

Despite repeated attempts, spokesperson Punjab police Syed Nayab Haider, newly nominated Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan and Rizwan Gondal could not be reached for comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2018.