HYDERABAD, April 25: Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan has said that 58 police officers have been elevated out of turn without his approval, adding that he was not aware of it. He admitted that only 10 percent of out of turn promotions are made during four years of PPP rule.
He said that police officers, promoted to BS-18 rightly or wrongly, were given postings in police departments during Pervez Musharraf regime and they have to be posted now since they were in BPS-18.
He was talking to reporters at residence of deceased Sindhi singer Master Manzoor in Qasimabad on Wednesday. He offered condolences to brother of deceased. He ordered registration of FIR against unknown persons as well as autopsy on the request of deceased’s brother.
“Those [police officers] serving in BS-18 are promoted, rightly or wrongly, have to be given postings and their cases are dealt by Services & General Administration Department and not police,” he said. He expressed unawareness about deputation of police officers. “I don’t support trend of deputation but I want police authorities to work with powers delegated to them….same goes for Rangers and Frontier Constabulary to show their efficiency,” he said. Approximately 58 out of turn promotions of ASIs, sub inspectors and inspectors are not in his knowledge. It is discretion of Sindh IGP and these are politically recommended, he said.
He explained that 4,700 police officers were promoted since 1997 and 80 to 90 per cent of such promotions were made between 2002 to 2007. “In our government only 10 per cent out of turn promotions are made,” he said. He pointed out that 58 out of turn promotions were not made for political considerations and these were done by police hierarchy. He said that before apex court called a report, these 58 promotions were recalled and sent to their original cadre.
“But officers who are serving in BS-18 after out of turn promotion, rightly or wrongly, are to be posted. Their cases are to be dealt by S&GAD”, he said. These promotions took place during Pervez Musharraf regime. “Why don’t you name party which was in power during 2002-2007! We only made 10 per cent of such promotions and 80 to 90 per cent were made during Musharraf regime”, he said. He said that he doesn’t believe in injustice and wants that merit shouldn’t be overlooked.
He rejected media reports that he had been removed as home minister. “I am not ambitious about any ministry…but I will return on this post as I am proceeding on leave for spinal chord treatment for one month with the approval of president who allowed my application in a recent meeting”, he said.
He said that the president is party co-chairperson and he could reprimand him on any issue. “Ministry is not my demand or priority”, he said.
Mr Wassan said that he sees dreams between first of Shabaan to 15th of Shabaan. “So you will wait till Shabaan before I see any dream”, he said when asked how would apex court deal with prime minister during contempt of court proceedings verdict on Thursday.