Military Interventions Raise Concerns in Police Appointments.

By M.Ilyas
PESHAWAR: A top cop in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, who knelt before the Corp Commander, is actively striving to secure a posting as CCPO Peshawar. Police source stated that this officer, a former Army serviceman born in North Waziristan Agency on November 7th, has been relentlessly pursuing the position and has been visiting the offices of provincial and federal ministers in the caretaker government for this purpose. Official sources report that when IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur was appointed as DIG Traffic, he had to attend an NDU course, and during that time, this former military officer temporarily assumed his role. Upon taking charge, he requested a reward fund of one lakh rupees from his staff, which was reported to Akhtar Hayat Gandapur by concerned personnel. However, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur instructed his staff not to provide the money, acknowledging the officer’s corrupt reputation. Despite knowing about this corruption, the IGP is contemplating posting him in Peshawar, despite the presence of highly ranked and reputable senior police officers within the KP Police. Government sources reveal that when this police officer was transfered from the Hazara division, he contacted the Corp Commander Peshawar and secured an appointment. During the meeting, he appealed for his reinstatement, citing his status as a former Army soldier and alleging mistreatment. Consequently, calls were made from the corps headquarters and intelligence agency offices to the IGP, urging his posting. Police sources express concerns that such military interventions, leading to postings and transfers contrary to merit within the police department, are negatively impacting the performance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. Presently, the police are grappling with various challenges, including a deteriorating law and order situation. This situation raises fears that the police department’s performance is suffering due to postings and transfers influenced by political and establishment pressures. Therefore, it is imperative for the establishment and political forces not to meddle in police postings and transfers within the province, as addressing these challenges is crucial for controlling ongoing terrorist target killings and other crimes in the region.