KARACHI, July 13: Chief of central zone of the Citizen-Police Liaison Committee Murad Ali Soni, who had been associated with the CPLC for the past 12 years , tendered his resignation in protest against what he called running of the committee's affairs in violation of rules and regulations, it is learnt on Tuesday.

However, the acting chief of the CPLC, Shaukat Suleman, when contacted, said: "We have received a leave application from the central zone's chief Mr Murad Soni. He has gone on leave till July 25."

He said that technically a resignation could not be tendered from any of the zonal chiefs in the absence of the CPLC chief, Sharfuddin Memon, who is abroad and expected to return by July 22.

Mr Suleman said: "Approval of a resignation is given after discussion in a joint meeting of zonal, deputy and assistant chiefs of the CPLC. Without the approval by the meeting, a resignation could not be accepted."

When Mr Soni was contacted, he said: "I have tendered my resignation and handed over the charge of zonal chief to my deputy Wasim Qadir." However, he did not disclose the reasons behind his resignation.

Mr Soni, a member of the Aga Khan Council for Karachi and Balochistan, in his resignation, addressed to the CPLC chief, stated: "I personally feel the CPLC-CRC (Central Reporting Cell) is not being run as an institution. I cannot work with full competence in this atmosphere. I have decided to resign, therefore, kindly accept my resignation."

He also mentioned in his resignation that the CPLC Central Zone generated funds through its own efforts and looked after many welfare projects, including two free schools, two free dispensaries, a woman industrial home, besides bearing the expenses of Darul Aman.