Shaikh sends defamation notice to Shikarpur SSP

Cop had submitted a report accusing the minister of having criminal connections

KARACHI: Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh has served a legal notice to SSP Shikarpur Rizwan Ahmed Khan, claiming defamation charges of Rs1billion.

Shaikh has also demanded a public apology from SSP Khan within 14 days for leveling false charges against him before the media. "Khan conspired to harm me and my family's reputation through fabricated allegations in a secret report issued to media," read the notice, adding that judicial proceedings will be initiated against the police officer. The notice also stated that if the SSP had evidence against Shaikh, he should have taken action against him.

Highlighting that he was a former bureaucrat and had served as secretary of eight departments as well as the Sindh Chief Minister's principal secretary, Shaikh added that the people of Shikarpur trusted him as well.

The notice further stated that the SSP had issued a secret report that had nothing to do with the facts as he had conspired with Shaikh's political opponents to damage his political credibility.

The law and order situation in Shikarpur is getting worse after Khan's appointment, the notice further mentioned, adding that Shaikh has filed an official complaint against him with CM Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Inspector General of Police Dr Kaleem Imam.

Last week, Khan had submitted a 'secret' report to the Larkana DIG, alleging that the politician and his family were involved in serious crimes, such as robbery, kidnapping, murder and drug dealing.

It also contended that the minister was involved in transferring police officials in order to maintain his political position and accommodate his associates.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2020.