Punjab CM tenders unconditional apology to SC in Pakpattan DPO transfer case
Chief Justice directed the Punjab CM to ensure rule of law in the province.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Following the orders of Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Monday appeared before the Supreme Court in Pakpattan District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Gondal’s transfer case.
Chief Justice, who is heading a three-judge bench, called him at the rostrum and asked, "You summon people and then make recommendations. Do you pressurize the police officers?"
CM Buzdar replied: "The matter came into my knowledge three days after assuming the office. I asked the parties to resolve the issue in friendly environment. The former Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Kaleem Imam was in Islamabad so I decided to meet the police personnel personally."," replied the Punjab CM.
"Do meet the police officers but why did you invite Ahsan Gujjar?" resented the CJP. "I offered tea to RPO. Ahsan said that those children are also mine. I want to depoliticize the police," said Buzdar.
"Show the chief minister article 62. We are appointng a lawyer with him who will provide legal assistance. How such a big province is running without implementation of law?" the CJP remarked.
Punjab CM while regretting the incident tendered unconditional apology in the case.
"You are the CM of the biggest province. Rule of law should be ensured. The matters should not run like this in future," directed the CJP.
The Chief Justice asked the IGP to inform him about the guardianship law and said, "Under which law did Ahsan Gujjar become the guardian of children? You insulted the police force. A new inquiry will now be held by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Khalid Malik within 15 days."
Ahsan Gujjar also appeared before ther court and said, "I regard you as my parents." "Did not you remember your parents before when this act was being committed," replied the CJP.
Inquiry report ‘piece of junk’
Earlier, the CJP had termed the inquiry report submitted by Syed Kaleem Imam as a ‘piece of junk’.
“In order to save one person, you declared both of your officers’ liar in the report. You do not care about your police authority. You were handed over such an important inquiry and I trusted you over it. How dare Ahsan Gujjar asked the IG for DPO Pakpattan’s transfer,” remarked the Chief Justice.
“I did not issue orders of transfer. I was regretful over the incident that happened with the girl,” replied Syed Kaleem Imam.
“We all are dejected over it. But you have humiliated the police force. Summon Punjab CM and Ahsan Gujjar. We will hear the case at 2pm,” said the CJP.
The IGP told court that Ahsan Jamil Gujjar is the guardian of children. “Has their father died? Have you seen the guardian certificate of Gujjar? Let’s call secretary establishment. Are you worthy enough to be appointed as IG anywhere? The inquiry of the incident will be handed over to someone else. This is not a trivial case for us,” stated the CJP.
“You had to determine whether any cognizable offense was committed or not,” maintained Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
“You were directed to prepare a report but you mentioned everything as satisfactory on it. You will not remain in the police force if it is declared that the report is based on your malicious intents,” the CJP asserted sternly.
“In what capacity did the Chief Minister ask for police officers? Gujjar took a recommendation to him. You were asked to investigate the political influence and how did you act. The statements of RPO and DPO do not match with each other. Why you did not bar the police officers to meet the chief minister?” asked the CJP.
“I was in Islamabad when the incident came into my knowledge,” told the IGP. “You were in Islamabad not abroad. Punjab CM got the police officers insulted in front of him,” criticized the CJP.
The report comprising of more than 27 pages contained statements of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Ahsan Jameel Iqbal Gujjar (a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader from Gujranwala and close friend of Maneka), CM’s personal staff officer (PSO) Umar, chief security officer (CSO) Haider Ali, Khawar Maneka, his son, daughter and police officers.
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The inquiry of Additional Inspector General (AIG) Investigation Abu Bakar Khuda Baksh’s and affidavits of former Pakpattan’s DPO and Sahiwal Regional Police Officer (RPO) have also been made party of the report.
How the incident unfolded?
Earlier, Former Pakpattan District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Gondal—who pulled over first lady’s ex-husband Khawar Fareed Manika—submitted his written reply before the inquiry committee averring he hadn’t committed any offence, sources privy to Punjab Police told Dunya News.
As per reply submitted by Gondal, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar called a meeting at CM House soon after the controversial-ridden altercation. The reply states an irrelevant person was also present in the meeting who posed extraneous questions.
The reply also revealed Gondal was indulged in verbal duel with RPO during the same meeting.
Know More: Summoned session on Khawar Maneka s issue, confesses Punjab CM
Sources privy to police department stated Gondal was immensely pressurized by officials to visit Manika’s dera to seek forgiveness. During the same huddle, the decision was taken to change Pakpattan DPO as Gondal refused to tender apology. Gondal asserted Manika family hurled expletives at police officials.
Gondal requested inquiry officer to make expletives—hurled by Manika family—part of ongoing investigation.
On the very next day, personal secretary of Punjab CM telephoned DPO to relinquish charge. After 20 minutes, DIG Headquarters released order directing Gondal to relinquish charge as Pakpattan DPO with immediate effect.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of the transfer.
