SC bars Punjab, KP from premature transfers of police officers
Orders both governments to implement Police Order 2002: If premature transfer unavoidable, reasons must be mentioned: It is discretion of IGP to appoint DPO, CPO: No officer should be removed without consulting senior police officer
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The Supreme Court Thursday stopped the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from premature transfer of police officers against the law and ordered them to implement Police Order 2002, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
During the hearing of the case, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked there was an impression that the police were used by governments as a political weapon.
“It is due to the political interference that the case of attack on Imran Khan was not being registered. The Supreme Court had to order the registration of the case as many days had passed,” he added.
The court also sought the list of police officers, transferred during the last 10 years, from the four provinces. “If premature transfer is unavoidable, the reasons must be mentioned. No officer should be removed without consulting the senior police officer,” it added.
“Why not adopt the same formula of good governance in Sindh and Balochistan?” the court remarked. “Whether the Punjab government will follow the law itself or the court should issue orders?” it inquired.
“People are affected due to crime and insecurity. Transfers of police officers should not be carried out at the behest of MPAs. According to the law, City Police Officer (CPO) or District Police Officer (DPO) cannot be removed before three years. It is the discretion of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appoint a DPO and CPO,” it emphasised.
“Are all appointments made by the IGP? According to the law, there is no compulsion on premature removal of officers, but the procedure should be followed,” it added.
“According to the law, investigative officers must be separated from other police functions. There should be a separate cadre of investigation officers so that they are fully independent,” it asserted.
“There is no such thing as investigative skills in the police. Fraudulent evidence is produced to benefit the accused. If the police benefit the accused, where will the victim go?” it deplored.
“If the Punjab government itself follows the law, there will be no need for a court order,” it pointed out.
The court then adjourned further hearing till the second week of January. A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, conducted the hearing.
Reporter Amanat Gishkori