Cop suspended for assaulting Australian national in Lahore

DIG orders inquiry, promises action against misuse of authority

A police constable has been booked and suspended from duty after allegedly assaulting an Australian national of Pakistani origin in the Bhatti Gate area of Lahore.

According to the First Information Report registered at Tibbi City Police Station under Section 155-C of the Police Order 2002, the complainant, Khawaja Zeeshan — an Australian citizen of Pakistani descent — stated that around 3 am on October 24, he had stopped near Bhatti Gate to buy juice when three policemen on motorcycles approached him.

Zeeshan alleged that one of them, Constable Zaheer Iqbal, verbally abused and physically assaulted him, punching and kicking him before snatching his car keys and mobile phone. The constable then allegedly drove Zeeshan’s car to the Bhatti Gate Police Station while the complainant was dragged there and threatened with being shot if he tried to resist.

The FIR further stated that upon checking his vehicle later, Zeeshan found that 3,000 Australian dollars were missing, which he accused Constable Iqbal of stealing. His niece, Maria Asim, and her husband arrived at the police station after he managed to contact his family, witnessing his condition and securing his release.

Zeeshan later contacted Rescue-15, following which Tibbi City Police officials advised him to undergo a medical examination. His medical report from Mian Munshi Hospital confirmed signs of physical assault.
Taking notice of the incident, DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran ordered the registration of a case and directed immediate suspension of Constable Zaheer Iqbal.

“No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands. Any officer found guilty of abusing authority will face strict departmental and legal action,” DIG Faisal said in a statement. He also ordered the SP City Division to conduct a detailed inquiry and sought an explanation from the SHO Bhatti Gate for failing to prevent the misconduct.

The DIG reiterated that Lahore Police has a strict accountability system and warned that officers misusing their authority “have no place in the department.”