LAHORE/MIANWALI: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz removed the Mianwali district police officer (DPO) on Thursday over corruption complaints and directed the Inspector General of Police to replace him with a ‘suitable’ officer.

The action was initiated during the CM’s visit to the Mianwali district where she spent a busy day.Chairing a meeting at the DC office which was also attended by local politicians, matters pertaining to the police operation against hardened criminals and crime also came under discussion.

Official sources said the CM was briefed about numerous serious complaints of corruption in the district police. Maryman Nawaz expressed her utter displeasure over the complaints, saying she had already issued directions to show zero tolerance towards corruption in the police department.

Taking a prompt action, she ordered the removal of DPO Mattiullah and issued directions to replace him with an experienced officer of integrity.IGP Dr Usman Anwar confirmed to Dawn the CM had removed the Mianwali DPO following complaints of corruption and inefficiency. Posted in Feb 2023, Mr Mattiullah served Mianwali for 18 months or so.

Late in the night on Thursday, the IGP issued a notification of his transfer, directing him to report to the Central Police Office till further order.

During her visit to the DHQ Hospital, the CM announced to establish the first cathlab for cardiac patients in Mianwali.

It was decided to undertake solarisation of agricultural tubewells in the area of Chadoor in Mianwali.

The CM reviewed development projects for Mianwali. Local media was not allowed to cover her visit due to security concerns.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2024