Top cops sacked after 'VIP confrontation'

LAHORE:

Three police officers have been relieved of their duties following an incident involving the son of a prominent personality at a checkpoint on September 21.

The event occurred at the Arif Shaheed Interchange, where police had set up security barriers ahead of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally. Police sources said the son of an influential figure attempted to bypass the security measures by removing a container placed to block the road.

The incident sparked controversy, leading the influential individual to raise the issue at higher forums, prompting an inquiry. As a result of the investigation, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for VIP Security, Khalid Mahmood Afzal, was assigned as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).

Additionally, DSP Investigation Kahna, Raja Fakhar Bashir, and Station House Officer (SHO) of Muslim Town, Nadeem Kamboh, were also dismissed from their positions.

The dismissed officers claim they were strictly following written instructions, which prohibited the removal of the container.

Their actions, they asserted, were in line with police protocol, raising concerns about the influence of prominent individuals over law enforcement decisions.

While authorities have yet to issue an official statement, the dismissal of the officers indicates a move toward ensuring accountability within the police force.