LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz held interviews of five senior police officers – two DIGs and three SSPs – for their posting at regional and district levels.
DIGs Babar Sarfraz Alpa and Athar Ismail were interviewed for appointment as regional police officer (RPO), while SSPs Asad Sarfraz, Ismael Kharrak and Kamran Mumtaz for the posts of district police officer (DPO).
The interview panel comprised Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar and Additional Chief Secretary (home) Noorul Amin Mengal.
An official privy to the development says the IGP had shortlisted the officers for the posts of Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura RPOs, besides Bahawalpur and DG Khan DPOs.
Before the scheduled meeting, he said, the confidential reports of three intelligence agencies, including Intelligence Bureau and Special Branch, were presented before the chief minister, who expressed her satisfaction over the reports which cleared all officers for their next posting.
During the meeting, the chief minister said she was against unnecessary changes in police hierarchy, but would not tolerate ‘corrupt officers’ in the police department.
About the posting of DIGs, the official says Babar Sarfraz Alpa (from 27th common) had been serving as Sheikhupura RPO for the last 14 months. The CM’s panel has given the go-head for his transfer and posting as Rawalpindi RPO vice DIG Khurram Ali Shah, who has proceeded for the National Management Course for his promotion. It would be the third regional level posting of Mr Alpa as he had also headed the Faisalabad region for a few months.
Similarly, Athar Ismail (from 30th common), currently posted as DIG Logistics and Procure-ment, is likely to be considered for the post of Sheikhupura RPO, he says, adding it would be his first appointment as regional police head.
Of the three SSPs, two would be posted as DPOs of Bahawalpur and DG Khan, the official says. Of them Asad Sarfraz’s chances are brighter for the slot of Bahawalpur DPO.
For the post of DG Khan DPO, there is a close contest between Ismail Kharrak and Kamran Mumtaz.
Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2024
