Drawing the line: Jirga takes on the law

Demands ‘uncivilised and abusive’ ASP be transferred within seven days.

MINGORA: Members of the Masalihati Committee and elders in a jirga on Friday set a deadline of seven days for the transfer of Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) Mingora City who allegedly behaved in an abusive and uncivilised manner with residents of Swat.

According to the Mingora Masalihati Committee, ASP Ali Khan’s behaviour was unprofessional and abusive. “He publicly disgraced common people and abused Swat’s residents frequently, which is against the law,” alleged Masalihati Committee coordinator Zubair Khan. Zubair claimed Ali Khan had also disgraced a Masalihati Committee office bearer.

Jirga members unanimously condemned the ASP’s alleged behaviour and said higher authorities must take notice of the issue. “Using abusive language with the public is questionable, as the ASP is duty-bound to serve the people,” said an elder at the jirga. The elders further maintained the people of Swat believed in honouring their guests instead of showing contempt.



They claimed Masalihati Committee members worked like servants for the public without drawing any salaries. “Zubair Khan provides security in the area, and we highly condemn the ASP’s unsuitable behaviour towards members of the committee,” said another elder. “We are making it clear that all police officers that act in a similar manner will not be entertained.”

The jirga demanded IG Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, DIG Malakand and operational commander of Malakand division take action against Ali Khan by transferring him from Swat. If the ASP is not transferred within seven days, they will gather at Nishat Chowk, warned the group.

The jirga was attended by Kanju Peace Committee President Inamur Reham, Swat Transporter Association President Haji Rashid Ahmad, Swat Butchers Association President Haji Khan Toti, Haji Hazrat Yousaf, a representative of Swat Traders Association, and several others. The jirga was headed by Haji Malook Khan.



To address the issue, DIG Malakand Abdullah Khan formed a three-member committee which met the Masalihati Committee and elders of the area. However, the dialogue between the two groups failed as the Maslihati Committee’s demand to have Ali Khan transferred was reportedly not taken into consideration.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2013.