Political influence and transfers in Punjab Inside story of the widen rift between government and Police

Dunya News

The widen rift between Punjab government and IGP puzzles the police officials and administration.

(DunyaNews/WebDesk) – Change, Merit, Transparency – All tall claims and big promises made by the ‘Tabdeeli’ party dies its own death with one after another political interference in government institution by Prime Minister Imran Khan led ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

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Another Political Influence and Interference; Another Fall of the Wall of Tall Claim

Meddling in Punjab Police official affairs by PTI’s nosy officials expose Naya Pakistan’s fabricated wishful thinking for an ideal Pakistan. From PTI loyalist and Governor Punjab Chaudhary Sarwar to senior leader of PTI, as many as eight of the stalwarts names are surfaced in alleged interference in appointing their favorite Inspector General of Police in Punjab.

According to sources, Governor Punjab Chaudhary Sarwar struggled to appoint Amjad Saleemi as an IGP Punjab whereas many of the senior leadership of PTi was in favor to task Arif Nawaz as IGP.

In September, former inspector general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, Nasir Khan Durrani, was appointed chairman of the Commission on Police Reforms and Implementation that was formed on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan to steer Punjab police out of political interference.

Durrani was given the task to reform the Punjab Police and overall situation of law and order, had asked to appoint Muhammad Tahir, IGP in Punjab who earlier had also served as inspector general of Police in Khyber PakhtnKha.

Earlier, Chief Minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar had agreed and approved the appointment.

In the mean time, the inappropriate transfer of PakPattan DPO Rizwan Gondal Case exposed political interference in Punjab Police by the CM Buzdar led PTI government in Punjab. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar reprimanded Punjab Government over their meddling in institutions’ conduct and official affairs which flooded a new storm of criticism and admonishment from media, opposition, and judiciary and from general public.

Also Read: How would PM rescue his CM - DPO Pak Pattan Transfer Case ignites the heat of Article 62-1 (F)


The Brawl Between CM Punjab and IGP Punjab

The wreck have not been settled; another havoc has been given the way when on Septemeber 28, 2018, CM Punjab Usman Buzdar called on a meeting of PTI’s provincial representatives and higher official of police and administration where they were asked to satisfy the reservations and complaints of MPAs.

During the meeting, many of the crucial decisions to transfer dozens of DPOs, RPOs even the DSPs and SHOs were taken.

Also Read: Inquiry reveals political influence behind Pakpattan DPO s transfer

Bypassing the IGP Punjab, CM Punjab afterwards has chaired such meetings for four days where he directed Police and district administration to cultivate improved relations with PTI’s MPAs.

Police officials have gone confused for whom to obey and where to take directions from. According to police resources, IGP Punjab

Muhammad Tahir was upset and expressed extreme displease and annoy after those meeting and ordered the Police officials to obey him only.

IGP Muhammad Tahir then met Prime Minister Imran Khan and a change of attitude was being noticed. IGP was reluctant to meet any government representative or any Police official. Few complaints were lodged against the IGP which encouraged CM Buzdar and he also whined over the conduct of IGP. PM Khan also showed resentment for not transferring the police officials of model town incident. Taking advantage of the situation, Governor Punjab Chaudhary Sarwar also intervened and influenced CM Punjab to dismiss Muhammad Tahir and appoint Amajd Saleemi as new IGP. Punjab government issued transfer orders of Muhamad Tahir.


IGP Punjab Dramatic Tranfer and Reinstatement within hours

IGP Punjab Muhammad Tahir was issued transfer orders after only five weeks of appointment  on 09th October. Muhammad Tahir complained about the recent wave of meddling and political pressure to Nasir Khan Durrani who was also bewildered and disappointed and then he resigned quietly and still is not available to respond over the latest development.

Also Read: Nasir Durrani resigns as Chief of Police Reforms Commission

Within hours, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on has taken notice of transfer of Muhammad Tahir as Punjab Inspector General.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ECP had banned all kind of transfers and replacements in government departments till the by-elections.

Also Read: ECP cancels notification to replace Punjab police chief

IGP Punjab after holding a farewell meeting with the colleagues then informed that his transfer orders are being cancelled hence he resumed his office next day. Though, the scuffle has been aggrandized between Chief Minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar and IGPMuhammad Tahir as IGP himself has not partaken into the Punjab Police Women Passing out Parade instead call a meeting of other police officials to give directives to maintain law and order in the province ahead of by-elections.


On the other hand, federal information minister said ECP has no right to cancel the IGP transfer orders as the decision has been taken after the consensus between federal and provincial governments though ECP still has a view that no such transfers can be done ahead of bypolls as per the Election Act 2017.

The widen rift between Punjab government and IGP puzzles the police officials and administration with the orders and directives flooding from multiple sources. Even the high level police officials are worried with the latest growing political influence and PTI led government’s representatives alleged meddling in performing their duties and official tasks.


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Translated and Edited by Mehreen Fatima