Cricketer Umar Akmal. PHOTO: AFP
The traffic warden accepted the unconditional apology from Akmal's father.
Police sources said the father of the cricketer met Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Investigation Zulfiqar Hameed at his office on Thursday and told him that his son could not appear as he was out of the country for the Asia Cup tour. Superintendent of Police (SP) CIA Umer Virk and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Sohail Chaudhry were also present.
Akmal was arrested on February 1 for allegedly violating traffic rules, interfering in government work and “scuffling” with a traffic official.
A court in Lahore had issued an arrest warrant for Akmal for not attending a hearing of traffic warden assault case on February 27. The court had ordered that Akmal should appear before the bench on March 11.
The sportsperson was detained at the Gulberg Circle police station for a few hours, before being released on a personal surety bond of Rs100,000. He was granted bail by a court on February 2.
An FIR was registered against him under Sections 279 (rash driving), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 353 (assault to deter public servant).
COMMENTS (18)
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Good stand by Traffic Police. But should be consistent, for every one, and every department should act like this.
@Imran Bashir: that means the law of the land is different for lawyers, for politicians , for our heroes and the common man in the street.
I want to ask one question from the chief traffic officer that if I beat a traffic warden and later my father apologizes, will he accept and drop any case against me. When lawyers beat police officers they are pardoned. If an MPA beats police officer in Faisalabad he is set free. That is why our country has gone to dogs
Nabidad has well put this , agree 100% bro.
There are still Bozos commenting who want to build a mountain of it. Case closed amicably stop wasting time finding issues in it
Why should his father apologize for him? This will set a precedent for the elite to get away with their wrong doings. He should have appeared in front of a judge, then apologize, just as ministers and prime ministers do. Why did he loose his temper, instead of being polite, as the Lahore traffice wardens are not infamous to be corrupt just like their counterparts in Karachi.
it is te price of being a papa
We have to accept one thing we are very emotional nation. I believe Umar Akmal has learned his lesson. And the decision from both sides is very sensible. I really appreciate the win win situation for both sides.
Is this how we repay parents? humiliate them in front of the country. Akmal could have apologised to the warden and paid the relevant fine. The wardens are always willing and are a good addition to our streets. I have no warden as a relative or friend; personal experience.
@Dr. Asad Sadick, germany: mr Asad ,the traffic wardens of Lahore do not accept money. It is not like old traffic police who used to challan only for the sake of money. In this case why the father should apologies. He is not the culprit. The father should not spoil his son.
@Name: Gosh, if only the law enforcement mechanism in Pakistan were just could you say something like that. The truth is, no average person would have been dealt with like that ... even if they had done everything that he did. The odds are you would have been taken to a thana, where you would have reluctantly apologised, paid a medium to large fine and let go with a severe warning. Akmal was taken to court, which is quite extreme for a traffic violation. Akmal should have just apologised and closed the matter. Thankfully his father is doing it now.
he should apologize himself to show the respect of Pakistani law, his apologize will give us a good example
No one is above the law he should ask for apology for his mistake. He should be country hero by good character!!
He should have given the cop a couple of hundred rupees and the matter would have settled. Maybe a couple of Rs to the judge. Best way in a corrupt land.
He is not a five your old kid under the supervision of his father. Father's apology means nothing. He should be held personally accountable.
It is good Umar Akmal was punished. Why would I get a ticket if I violate traffic law? and Umar Akmal spared because hes a celebrity? Law must be same for all. He miss behaved and his father apologized. Umar must apologize. In another case, in cricket, we love Umar's performances.
The courts get sadistic pleasure in seeing common man (without guns) being humiliated & insulted. Bravo judges, continue showing regards to politically backed militants at large on a daily killing spree. But dont forget to grill commoners.
Akmal must personally go public, look right into the eyes of cameras, and first admit his guilt & show remorse and repent and beg for pardon and also make an unconditional declaration that he now knows and affirms the fact neither he nor anyone else is above law. This would be an act of warning for others as well.
best way to get away from these courts, good decision by father. Let his son focus on Cricket please...