Supreme Court asks NAB to continue proceedings against SSP

Disposes of case related to illegal recruitment in Sindh Reserve Police

ISLAMABAD:

The apex court has asked the country’s top graft-buster – the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) – to continue its proceedings against an officer of the Sindh Police accused of hiring constables in violation of rules.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed on Monday resumed hearing of a petition against discrimination in imposition of penalties on account of illegal recruitments in the Sindh Reserve Police (SRP), Hyderabad.

Appearing before the bench, Sindh additional advocate general said after an inquiry Sindh chief minister had announced penalties for the official involved in illegal hiring.

CJ Ahmed asked the law officer as to why Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Ghulam Nabi Kerio received the lightest punishment.

“All appointment letters were issued with his signature. How come he is still in the police force [and not sacked after this corruption?]” the CJ asked.

The additional attorney general told the court that the official is still in police force but NAB has started a probe against him and he is currently facing a NAB case.

The CJ noted that the chief minister forced some junior officers – involved in the scam – to retire but imposed a mild penalty on the main accused.

It seems the illegal hiring took place in connivance with the provincial government, he noted.

The bench later asked NAB to continue its action against SP Kerio as it disposed of the petition against illegal hiring in Sindh Reserve Police.

Ghulam Nabi Kerio surrendered to NAB at an accountability court in Karachi on May 12, 2018.

The police officer is allegedly involved in playing a role in making illegal appointments of 881 police constables in the SRP in 2013-14, causing loss to the national exchequer to the tune of Rs500 million.