HYDERABAD, April 23: Rising street crime, political transfers and postings of police officers, welfare of policemen, and detection of high profile cases are few challenges facing newly posted DPO of Hyderabad, Najaf Quli Mirza who took over charge on Tuesday.

However, most challenging job for him will be to remain impartial while handling the district given the fact that he is first cousin of Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza.

Until February 18 elections, the outgoing DPO faced political pressure over posting of supervising police officers (SPOs) and SHOs. But even after installation of the PPP-led provincial government, the situation remained unchanged as police officers who were vying for “lucrative police stations” are now approaching local PPP leaders for posting.

It is to be seen whether the new DPO would go for a complete reshuffle of SHOs and SPOs or would accept the present lot of officers. This situation was discussed with PPO Sindh Dr Shoaib Suddle two days back in Karachi. It has been learnt the PPO observed to complete recent reshuffle by coming Saturday.

Mirza would have to look into police tendency of delaying registration of FIRs. A concept of reporting rooms at each police station was introduced but it didn’t work due to lethargy and traditional tactics of police to avoid FIRs.

The new DPO will also have to handle high profile case of police constable Ali Hassan Solangi whose hands were chopped by his tormentors from wrist last month. Acid was thrown on him and also fired upon. His nephew nominated Taluka Nazim Qasimabad Noor Mohammad Shoro, his brother and UC Nazim Deedar Shoro, and Deedar’s son Jam Khan Shoro. None was arrested by investigation police as they were given ample time to get protective bails from Karachi.

Another huge task that lies ahead for Mirza is fresh recruitment of around 1,450 police constables whose schedule of new establishment (SNE) has already been approved. It is yet to be seen whether he would make appointments on merit or fall prey to political influence.

Likewise, meagre resources are available with district police. They are also hit by shortage of police force because out of 24 police stations, only 11 are working with proper SNE and the force.

Similarly the SNE of only six SPOs, out of 10, are sanctioned.