LAHORE: The transfer of former inspector general of police (IGP) Amjad Javed Saleemi has been challenged before the Lahore High Court for being the violation of Police Order of 2002.

“The Police Order, 2002 sought to de-politicise the police force, however, the provincial government instead of implementing it in letter and spirit has further politicised the force and has shown the door to recalcitrant and independent minded officers without any regard to their independence and tenure protected by law,” advocate Usama Khawar said in a public interest petition.

He says that the government changed four IGPs in 10 months and the average tenure of an IGP has been three months.

The lawyer submits that according to Article 12 of the Police Order, the tenure of the provincial police officer is three years from the date of posting. He says Mr Saleemi was appointed as IGP on Sept 15, 2108 and transferred/removed on April 15, 2019.

He pleads the decision of the government to transfer Mr Saleemi is a violation of Article 12 and other provisions of the Police Order of 2002. He argues that since the police order is in force, the government cannot make appointments except in compliance with the Police Order.

Therefore, he says the adverse actions against the respondent (Sameeli), including transfer is without jurisdiction, illegal and of no legal effect and also leading to violation of Articles 4 and 9 fundamental rights of the citizens.

The lawyer asks the court to declare the impugned notification of Saleemi’s transfer as unconstitutional, without jurisdiction, illegal, and of no legal effect. He urges the court to direct the federal and provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of the Police Order 2002.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2019