Promotion furore: Govt given two days to explain AIG’s appointment

Shahid Hayat took over as Karachi city police chief on September 12.

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has fixed November 21 as the date to hear the provincial government’s views on the appointment of the new city police chief, AIG Shahid Hayat, allegedly done in violation of the service rules and regulations.

Earlier, Barrister Zamir Ghumro concluded his arguments on behalf of five senior police officials who had challenged the AIG’s appointment to the senior post. The petition was filed by DIG AD Khawaja, AIG Bashir Memon, DIG Sanaullah Abbasi, DIG Azhar Rashid and DIG CID Dr Ameer Ahmed Shaikh.

Hayat took over as Karachi city police chief on September 12, almost a week after the law-enforcement agencies launched an operation against the criminals in the city. Several political parties have criticised his appointment because of his controversial role in the 1990s operation and his alleged involvement in the Murtaza Bhutto murder case.

The petitioners alleged that Hayat had been working as the DIG police (Special Branch) prior to his transfer. The promotion was ordered through a notification issued by the chief secretary, who ignored senior and more experienced police officials working on grade-20 and grade-21, they alleged.

According to the petitioners, the AIG has yet to pass the Staff College course - a mandatory requirement for promotion to grade 21 under the service laws. Thus, they pleaded to the court to set aside the official notification regarding Hayat’s appointment, which may also be declared as null and void.

On Tuesday, Barrister Ghumro concluded his arguments. The bench adjourned the session till November 21 to hear the arguments of the advocate general of Sindh regarding the provincial government’s view.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2013.