Return of officers removed by former CCPO begins

Superintendent of Police (SP) Dost Muhammad, who had been transferred by former capital city police officer (CCPO) Umer Shoib Sheikh over allegations of corruption was posted as Additional SP Model Town on Monday.

The former CCPO had reportedly accused him of demanding Rs30 million and a car as bribe in a case. He was removed from his post and asked to report to Central Police Office.

The officer has been re-posted after he was reportedly vindicated in an inquiry into the allegation.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Inam Ghani issued an order in this regard. “Capt (retd) Dost Muhammad, awaiting posting, is hereby transferred and posted as Addl SP Operations, Model Town Lahore against an existing vacancy with immediate effect and till further orders," it read.

Sources said the revocation of the 'blacklisting' of over 50 officers of Lahore police by the former CCPO was also being considered. Sheikh had barred the officers, including 25 investigation in-charges and over a dozen SHOs from appointment at key posts.

Thete is no provision in Police Order 2002 allowing such blacklisting, although the rules and regulations permit inquiries, investigations and departmental punishments.

The new city police authorities are reportedly of the view that many officers were unduly removed from key posts and their services were important for the department.

The IGP also instructed CCPO Lahore Ghulam Mahmood Dogar that the process of transfer and posting should be completed under the rules and regulations in a transparent way.

IGP Ghani was chairing a meeting of supervisory officers of Lahore police and told them to not only ensure the best performance of their subordinates but also save the citizens from oppressors. He said indiscriminate action should be taken against the land mafia involved in grabbing the property of overseas Pakistanis, widows and orphans.

The CCPO said Lahore police would strive to give the best performance while following the instructions of the IGP and would spare no effort in serving the citizens. "Special teams are being formed to track down drug dealers, street criminals and those involved in serious crimes. I will monitor their performance on a daily basis," the CCPO said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2021.