ISLAMABAD: The capital’s police chief has appointed the Islamabad DIG Operations in purported violation of the order of the chief commissioner issued last month, which is still in the field. Besides the DIG Operations post, Ali Raza has also been given a temporary charge of DIG Security.

Additionally, the Islamabad Traffic Police have been placed under the administrative control of the DIG Operations from the Safe City director general.

The seat of the DIG is a grade-20 post but grade-19 officers are appointed to the post to maintain the “balance of seniority” as the IGP post which is meant for grade-21 officers is also being held by a grade-20 officer.

A similar move by the IGP, however, had drawn an adverse response from the office of the chief commissioner. After the IGP gave additional charge of the DIG Headquarters to SSP Headquarters Mustafa Tanweer last month, the chief commissioner issued a notification expressing displeasure over the move by the IGP to transfer a grade-20 officer.

Ali Raza also given temporary charge of DIG Security; ITP placed under DIG Operations’ control

The commissioner had said the authority of the transfer and posting of DIGs in the capital rested with his office. However, the police chief was allowed to transfer deputy/assistant superintendents of police, superintendents of police and senior superintendents of police, except for the SSP Operations and DIGs.

Subsequently, the commissioner was removed and the DIG Headquarters appointed by the IGP was still working on the post. Sources said the notification of the commissioner’s office was still in the field, but the IGP office allegedly violated it and appointed another DIG.

The officials said that as per the Police Order, the IGP has the power to transfer all officials and officers from constables to DIGs working under his command. On the other hand, as per the Police Rules and the Police Act, the IGP can only transfer officials from constables to inspectors, they added.

However, the IGP can send a request for the transfer and appointment of the deputy/assistant superintendent of police and superintendent of police, which needs to be approved by the commissioner’s office.

The transfer and posting of the grade-19 officers (SSPs) and grade-20 (DIGs) in Islamabad is under the control of the chief commissioner, they added.

It may be noted that former IGP Akbar Nasir Khan promulgated Police Order 2002 in the capital in 2022, but parliament has yet to approve it. This subsequently resulted in a rift between the police and other departments, with the interior ministry voiding multiple promotions approved by the then-IGP.

Senior lawyer Supreme Court Raja Inam Amin Minhas when contacted told Dawn that commanding posts in the uniform force should be given to the senior officers; otherwise, the chain of command and performance of the force would be affected. But, political parties appointed officers to senior posts to allegedly use them for their vested interest, he claimed.

“There should be a valid reason which should be explained in writing for appointing a junior officer to senior posts,” Mr Minhas said, adding that senior officers should not be bypassed for crucial roles.

Speaking to Dawn, police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said the notification of the chief commissioner’s office regarding the appointment of the DIGs and the SSP Operations had been challenged in the court by SP Security Division Fazal Abbas. So far, no order or decision has been issued in this regard.

The IGP issued the order for the appointment of the DIG Operations under Police Order 2002, the spokesperson said, adding that there were clear orders of the Islamabad High Court to implement the Police Order 2002.

Replying to a question that the Police Order 2002 was not tabled in parliament, he said: “I will ask from [officers] concerned and reply.”

The spokesperson also confirmed SSP Operations Malik Jameel Zafar is “senior” to newly appointed DIG Operations Ali Raza as he attended 37 Common whereas Ali Raza attended 38 Common. However, Ali Raza is a grade-19 (SSP) officer and Malik Jameel Zafar is a grade-18 (SP) officer, he added.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2024