LAHORE: The Punjab government has reshuffled three senior police officers, including the DIGs of the Lahore investigation wing and Organised Crime Unit (OCU), despite a ban on transfers and postings.

For the transfers, Punjab IG Dr Usman Anwar met Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and requested her for permission for the transfer of the officers, citing it a special case.

The CM had placed a ban on all kinds of transfers and postings but she approved the request of the IGP and a notification was issued accordingly.

According to the notification, OCU DIG retired Capt Liaqat Malik was transferred and posted as DIG Establishment II vice Zeeshan Asghar who was transferred and posted as Lahore DIG Investigation vice Imran Kishwar. Mr Kishwar was posted as OCU DIG.

An official, privy to the development, told Dawn the transfer of OCU DIG surprised many as his department had busted the network involved in the alleged murder of Ameer Balaj Tipu. He said a clash between the OCU officials and a leading private hospital was also being linked to his transfer. The official said the IGP was supporting Mr Liaqat Malik for his efforts in resolving high profile cases. However, a senior police officer wanted his replacement and finally he was transferred and assigned a new job in the Central Police Office. He said Kishwar’s transfer also sent shockwaves among the police community who believed that he had supervised the investigations of all cases lodged in connection with the 9 May attacks. His transfer may hamper the investigation process being a key officer in respect of May 9 cases.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2024