Transfer of K-P IGP put on hold

The proposed transfer of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfikar Hameed has been put on hold, while the federal government has sought fresh consultations over the names submitted for the appointment of the province's new police chief.

According to provincial government sources, one of the three senior police officers whose names were forwarded by the K-P government to the federal government may be dropped from the list. The sources said efforts were also under way through back-channel contacts to include a new name in the list and restart the process for appointing the provincial police chief.

A senior K-P police officer, speaking to The Express on condition of anonymity, said the transfer of IGP Zulfikar Hameed was not being pursued for the time being in view of the deteriorating law and order situation in the southern districts of the province.

"Given the current security situation, the provincial police chief is likely to continue for now. Further consultations with the federal government are expected regarding the appointment of the next IGP," the officer said.

He added that one of the officers in the existing list was likely to be removed, after which the process could begin again with a revised list of candidates.

Sources said the federal government and other key quarters had appreciated Zulfikar Hameed's performance, particularly his efforts to improve the police system and introduce modern technology in K-P policing. He has reportedly been given the green light to continue performing his duties until further orders.