Around 4,760 policemen, from head constables to inspectors, were demoted and made to leave charge three months ago on allegations that they had gained promotions through bribes or political influence. About 2,750 of the demoted officers were from Karachi, including about 295 inspectors and 480 sub-inspectors.
Following this, IGP Shah formed a committee in order to review the cases for promotion. He said that he has recommended the Supreme Court to allow the promotion of about 104 officers. “I have only put forward the names of policemen injured in bomb blasts, targeted attacks and encounters as well as those who I feel deserve a promotion,” IGP Shah told The Express Tribune. “I am hopeful that the apex court will approve the recommendation soon.”
The officers who have been nominated for promotion are between grade five and 16 and most of them are posted in special units, including the Crime Investigation Department and Special Investigation Unit. These officers will be able to get promoted on the basis of seniority and those who have not completed the required training courses will have to do so. The officers will be promoted to the next grade instead of the one at which they were before being demoted.
Out of turn promotions, which have become a routine in the police department, have created a rift among the officers. The aggrieved officers, alleging that their colleagues were promoted because of political affiliations or corruption, had taken their concerns to the apex courts. Others have gone to court to voice their support for these out of turn promotions, saying that they are well deserved.
However, the IGP’s recent recommendation for the promotion of the officers has also become a point of contention among the policemen. “This is a new drama,” said an officer of the ASI rank who is posted in South Zone. “Out of 4,760 policemen, were there only 104 officers who risked their lives in the name of duty? This is just favouritism and the police department will only be further demoralised.”
On the other hand, a police officer who has been nominated for promotion seemed quite happy at IGP Shah’s move.“From the first day, we demanded that those personnel who truly deserved promotion not be put in the same boat as those who didn’t,” said the officer. “If IGP Shah had carefully identified the officers deserving of promotion earlier, this situation would not have emerged. But I am quite glad that the right thing is being done – even if it is a little late.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2012.
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