People protest against DPO’s transfer, block Karakoram Highway

Official relocated for taking action against criminals, allege protestors

Protestors blocked the Karakoram Highway to voice their grievance against the transfer of Upper Kohistan District Police Officer (DPO) Malik Ijaz.

People had to face problems as the protest caused a traffic jam on the major highway.

The DPO, who had been deployed to the post three months ago, was instrumental in conducting operations against criminal elements.

After his transfer notification was issued, the locals staged a protest in Dasu on Karakoram Highway for four hours.

The protestors claimed that the DPO has been transferred for taking action against drug peddlers and wanted criminals.

Ijaz was on his way to Abbottabad with his family, but the demonstrators refused to let him go.

Addressing the protesters, the DPO said that he has been transferred legally and added that if the locals wanted him back in Upper Kohistan, then the jirga of the area should hold a proper meeting with the Deputy Inspector General and Inspector General of Police.

Later, the DPO was allowed to leave by the protesters, who summoned a meeting to decide future measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2021.