BY: M. Ilyas
ISLAMABAD- Sources within the Chief Minister’s office have indicated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering relieving the Inspector General of police of his duties amidst allegations of widespread corruption within various police projects, secret funds mismanagement, embezzlement in budget allocations, and serious malpractices. The government purportedly intends to initiate a preliminary enquiry through the CM Inspection team, following which collected evidence will be forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau for further proceedings against high-ranking police officials. One of the primary reasons cited for the potential removal of the IG is the alleged manipulation of postings and transfers within the police force, resulting in the compromise of merit-based appointments. This practice has reportedly led to dissatisfaction among officers and has been perceived as a tactic to undermine both the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz parties simultaneously. An ex-senior officer and a prominent lawyer explained that there are two mechanisms to remove a federal officer: either through a transfer posting notification issued by the Establishment Division Islamabad, or by surrendering the officer by the KP government, with subsequent orders issued by the Chief Secretary’s office or the Establishment department. In the latter scenario, temporary charge is assigned to another senior or junior officer until a regular appointment is made. In response to inquiries about potential successors, a senior officer suggested that temporary charge could be assigned to individuals such as Mohammad Ali Baba Khel, Wisal Fakhar Sultan, Dr. Fasihuddin, or Awal Khan. However, the PTI leadership is reportedly discontent with the arbitrary postings, transfers, and corruption allegations within the KP police, with some members expected to address these concerns with Prime Minister Imran Khan during a visit to Adyala jail. It is noteworthy that the KP government is considering appointing Salahuddin Mehsud or Saeed Khan as the new IG, particularly in light of the escalating law and order challenges in former FATA regions. Meanwhile, contenders for the position include Dr. Mazhar Kakakhel, Inam Ghani, Salman Chaudhri, and Qazi Jamil. The developments surrounding the potential removal of the IG and the ensuing succession plan have garnered significant attention, underscoring the gravity of the situation within the KP police department.
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