PESHAWAR, Oct 24: Reversing the decision of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal government, the caretaker set-up in the NWFP has relieved Rao Amin Hashim, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Hazara region, of his command, according to officials.

According to a notification issued last week, Rao Amin Hashim, a grade 20 officer from the Police Service of Pakistan, has been relieved of his existing assignment and directed to report to the establishment division, Islamabad, with immediate effect.

Consequently, the provincial government has transferred and posted Attaullah Wazir (PSP BS-20), commandant of the Police Training College in Hangu, in place of Amin Hashim, whereas Syed Abdul Wadud Shah (PSP BS-20), DIG Police (Investigations) for Peshawar, has been posted in Mr Wazir’s place.

Mr Hashim’s transfer, which could be the first reversal of any decision of the MMA government, has ended a controversy that has gripped the official circles in recent weeks.

The federal government on Sept 5 had issued a notification directing Rao Amin Hashim to report to the establishment division, Islamabad, for further posting with immediate effect. It was an unexpected order that infuriated the MMA-led provincial set-up because it was not consulted prior to the order.

The then chief minister Muhammad Akram Khan Durrani took serious note of the order and directed the concerned officer not to relinquish the charge of his post.

Normally, the federal government requests the provincial government for relieving an officer, whose services are required at other place and his or her further posting is possible only when the province relieves the official of his responsibilities.

In this particular case, however, the federal government did not follow due process and unilaterally issued the transfer orders of the DIG of Police, Hazara region, which was an illegal act, said an official at the establishment division.

Mr Hashim is expected to relinquish the charge of his post within a couple of days and to proceed to Islamabad.