Sindh refuses to discuss IGP’s transfer with governor

Also refuses to recommend any more names for the appointment of new IGP

KARACHI: Just a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan agreed to the transfer of Sindh IGP Syed Kaleem Imam, as well as to appoint the new police chief from a panel of five names sent by the Sindh government to the Establishment Division last week, the Centre seemed to have gone back on its words on Tuesday as it asked the provincial government to consult with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on the matter. Moreover, the federal government has sought another three names as nominees to replace the Sindh IGP.

The development came following a cabinet meeting of the federal government on Tuesday.

Irked by the sudden shift in the Centre’s stance, the provincial government, however, has decided not to nominate any person other than the five already chosen to be appointed in place of the police chief.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, sources affiliated with the provincial government shared that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and the PM had a conversation on the telephone following the cabinet meeting, however no conclusion was reached and it ended in a stalemate.

The two have been in telephonic contacts since the third week of January, during which the PM had initially agreed on the first name suggested by the CM to be appointed as the IGP, the sources revealed, adding that the PM, however, later asked for two more names.

Reportedly, following a long discussion between the PM and the CM, during Khan’s visit to Karachi, the latter had given the nod to one name from among the five sent by the provincial government to the Establishment Division. On Tuesday, though the Centre asked the Sindh government to consult with the governor before finalising a name for the new IGP.

Commenting on the development, Sindh Information, Archives and Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said, “PM had given assurance [on the matter] on Monday but went back on his words on Tuesday.” Terming the Centre’s change of stance “against the Constitution,” he ruled out the possibility of engaging in a discussion with the governor over the selection of the new IGP.

“It is against the law to discuss IGP’s transfer with the governor,” he said. “It’s illegal.” Moreover, Ghani said that no more names for replacing the Imam will be recommended.

“Do they [the federal government] discuss Punjab IGP’s transfer in the cabinet [meeting],” Ghani slammed the Centre, adding that it was the provincial government’s responsibility to ensure that the law was obeyed.

Earlier, responding to a question during a press conference, the provincial minister had alleged that Imam was “more into politics than performing his duty.” He said that IGPs have been replaced in other provinces multiple times but an issue was being made out of IGP’s transfer in Sindh. He had further criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for “politicising the issue.”

Meanwhile, Sindh IGP Imam claimed during a ceremony on Tuesday that a “conspiracy was being hatched against him.” Though he soon retreated from his position, saying that the statement was made in jest. Addressing a Yadgar-e-Shuhada [memorial of martyrs] ceremony, he commented that it was assumed that he was being transferred and the ceremony was turned into his farewell.

He further said that he will not be transferred “so easily,” however, adding that it would take place as and when the fate decided.

The IGP hastened to add that his value couldn’t be undermined even following the transfer. “Even if I get transferred, I will remain a sawa lakh ka haathi  [an elephant worth Rs125,000],” he said.

Also speaking on the occasion, Operations DIG Maqsood Ahmed Memon said while addressing Imam, “We have learned a lot from you and you will be remembered.” He said that steps taken by Imam during his tenure as the province’s IGP were commendable. Outlining some of the initiatives taken by the IGP, he lauded Imam for the creation of positions like Operations DIG and Operations Additional IG, completion of the renovation of Central Police’s office and construction of a “beautiful mosque in Karachi.”

Later, talking to media, Imam commented that speeches by other officers made it seem like the ceremony was held to give him a farewell, as he gave a clarification of his statement made earlier.

Lauding ‘heroes’ in police

Addressing the ceremony, Imam said that it underlined the significance of teamwork and good leadership. He said that Sindh Police had great potential and working hard and with sincerity would ensure that they achieve success.

The IGP said that Yadgar-e- Shuhada monument was built to commemorate the great feats and sacrifices of “heroes” who served Karachi. “The monument bears the names of 2,200 martyrs for the people to realise that they sacrificed their lives for the city,” he added.

The ceremony marked the inauguration of a monument built at the Central Police Station to commemorate police officials who died in the line of duty. The inauguration was performed by the families of the deceased officials.

Karachi Police Chief Ghulam Nabi Memon, former Sindh IGP Afzal Shakri, former Karachi Police Chief Waseem Ahmed, Zonal DIGs, district SSPs and other officials of Sindh Police attended the ceremony. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2020.