CM Punjab orders action against cops present at US consulate dinner

Directs Chief Secretary, recommending the Federal Government to make the accused eight, OSDs.

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif ordered strict action, on Wednesday, against eight high-ranking police officials for attending a dinner at the US Consulate in Lahore without seeking prior permission.

CM Punjab sent a letter to the Chief Secretary, recommending the Federal Government to convert the status of the eight police officers to Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and launch a departmental inquiry.

Earlier a request in this regard was sent to the provincial government to write to the federal government to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

'Show cause’ notices were served on the officers involved but they failed to come up with satisfactory answers. Police Headquarters Public Relations Director Nabeela Ghazanfar said that the officers were summoned by the Inspector General but they did not have an appropriate answer.

The letter had stated that the officers have violated service rules, relevant laws and the Constitution of Pakistan.

The eight are accused of misconduct including two Deputy Inspector Generals and six Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP).