14 policemen sacked

RAWALPINDI, Nov 25: Fourteen policemen were dismissed from service on Friday as the inquiry into the murder of three handcuffed under-trial prisoners and a passerby in the district courts, found them guilty, official sources said.

It is perhaps for the first time that a large number of policemen were sacked from service for negligence in providing security to the under-trial prisoners during their trial which resulted in their murders.

The 14 policemen had already been booked by the Civil Lines police after having been suspended by the City Police Officer (CPO), though none of them was arrested.

The dismissal of the policemen came up as CPO Azhar Hameed Khokhar held an “orderly room” at the police lines to review their case.

However, the fate of the SHOs of Waris Khan and Civil Line is to be decided by RPO Muhammad Zubair while Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab will decide departmental action against two DSPs, Malik Arshad and Chaudhry Tariq, who were found guilty in the police inquiry.—Staff Reporter

Man held for killing sister

CHAKWAL, Nov 25: The man who gunned down his sister at Darulaman on Tuesday for honour was arrested along with his friend who facilitated him in committing the murder, police said on Friday.

Talking to Dawn Investigation Officer Raja Altaf Hussain said that both the accused would be presented before the court today (Saturday) for remand.

Meanwhile, Potohar Development and Advocacy (PODA) along with the members of civil society lit the candles in the memory of Faria at the gate of Darulaman.

Speaking on the occasion, Naheeda Abbasi, the PODA Regional Manager appealed the higher authorities to launch drive against the menace of honour killing. — Correspondent

Clerics entry banned

RAWALPINDI, Nov 25: The Punjab government has banned the entry of 17 clerics, belonging to different religious schools of thought, in Rawalpindi district during Muharram and also prohibited 41 others from delivering speeches, Dawn has learnt.

Among those facing entry ban was also a member of Punjab provincial assembly (MPA) elected from Chiniot who belonged to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N. Carrying and display of weapons, wall-chalking and distribution of hatred material had already been banned under section 144 during Muharram. The ban would start from Muharram 1, and would continue for the whole month under 5MPO.

Commissioner Rawalpindi division Zahid Saeed when contacted confirmed the ban. —Staff Reporter

Police martyrs paid homage

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25: The United Kingdom (UK) is extending all possible cooperation to Pakistan to fight and eliminate menace of terrorism, said British Home Secretary, Theresa May, on Friday during her visit to Police Line Headquarters.

During her visit she also met with the families of terrorism victims and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the policemen in the line of duty.

Earlier, upon her arrival along with Interior Minister Rehman Malik at the headquarters, she was presented guard of honor. She laid floral wreath at monument of martyred policemen. Replying to a question, she said UK would also support Pakistan in detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and in this regard Pakistan would be provided equipment and technical assistance.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Pakistan had suffered a lot in war against terrorism and expressed the determination of the government to fight against this menace till last. —Staff Reporter