“The basic reason why the decision was taken back was the 18th Amendment,” said a source. PHOTO: FILE
Even though the federal government clarified promptly that it has not replaced the Sindh IGP, the news did create panic in the police department, The Express Tribune has learnt.
“We want an officer who is ready to counter terrorism and crime and we do not have any concerns with who the chief is,” DIG Captain (retd) Tahir Naveed told The Express Tribune. “Shahid Baloch sahib is a good officer to deal with the terrorism and crime but the government should be sincere as well.”
Once Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar clarified that Baloch will retain his post, officials said he will continue to serve as IG until his retirement in February next year. “No doubt, IGP Baloch has the capabilities to deal with Karachi worsening situation and there is no reason to replace him,” said a source privy to the matter. “The basic reason why the decision was taken back was the 18th Amendment.” The amendment devolved home affairs to the provinces, making police a provincial subject.
Baloch took charge on March 26 this year. He had studied law at Harvard University and holds an LLB degree. He started his police service as an ASP from Islamabad and served Sindh as an Additional SP, district South, PSO to Chief Minister Sindh, SSP of districts Central, Malir, East and West, AIGP Crimes and AIGP Finance at Central Police Office. He also remained posted in FIA as director, director intellectual property rights and cyber crimes. Before he was appointed as IGP, he was serving as PTA coordination department director-general.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2013.
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