Criminal negligence: Drug trafficking flourishing in Chakri

CID report cites political support as the main cause for police inaction.

RAWALPINDI:

The illicit business of liquor and narcotics is flourishing in a Rawalpindi locality because of police inaction and political backing, says an intelligence report, recommending strict action against the drug barons.

According to the report submitted by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) drug dealers have set up their dens on Chakri Road in the jurisdiction of the Saddar Bairuni Police Station.

“Most of the gangs are affiliated with a political party and thus don’t fear police action,” stated the report which has been submitted to the City Police Office.

“The police high-ups are aware of the situation as they are provided information every month but they don’t take any action as they have their own problems,” an official told The Express Tribune requesting anonymity.

“Firstly, we cannot take any action against them as they have links with politicians. If we take action against them they will be released on a phone call,” the official said, adding the officials who take action against them will either lose their jobs or be transferred to far-flung areas of the district.

The locality is the hometown of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

The report, containing names of drug traffickers operating from over 30 places, stated that they were working openly.

“They have put up banners and posters of political parties in their localities and consider themselves above the law,” the police official said.

Saddar Bairuni Station House Officer (SHO) Jehangir Bhatti, when contacted, refused to comment on the report.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2013.