Punjab IGP's abrupt transfer offensive to top police circles.

Byline: Asif Chaudhry

LAHORE -- Many police officers at the level of Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) seem to have taken offence at the change of command at Central Police Office after Amjad Javed Saleemi assumed his charge as the new inspector general of police (IGP). It has also triggered a heated debate among the top police officials as some of them have expressed support to the government decision.

Mr Saleemi replaced Muhammad Tahir as Punjab IGP after the latter signed relieving documents while handing over charge to the former, respecting the decision of the federal government in letter and spirit reportedly despite some reservations.

Last week, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had suspended the government's decision to appoint Mr Saleemi as new head of the Punjab Police, stating the police chief's replacement would be considered a violation of its rules due to the by-polls that were scheduled for Oct 14.

The decision of the PTI government to remove Mr Tahir as IGP Punjab almost a month after his posting had triggered a controversy, inviting criticism from all relevant quarters as it violated the criteria for appointment of the head of the provincial police mentioned in the law.

Since it was the fifth appointment of the head of police of the largest province of the country in less than five months, the 'disrespect' towards the senior police officers left the PSP officers upset for the first time. Normally, they keep themselves aloof whenever the new head of the Punjab Police is removed, setting aside 'reasons or factors' behind the move.

Long ago, they were of the view that transfer/posting of the IGPs is an administrative decision and prerogative of the government rather than a legal subject. However, after promulgation of the Police Order 2002, this matter directly relates to the law. That's why the recent frequent violations of the Section 12 of the Police Order 2002 in appointment and removal of the IGP Punjab have kicked off a an unprecedented debate and unrest among the police circles.

The Section 12 of Police Order 2002 categorically states: 'The term of office of Provincial Police Officer, Capital City Police Officer and Head of a Federal Law Enforcement Agency posted under Article 11 shall be three years from the date of his/her posting'.

According to reports, a majority of the PSP officers have termed the federal government's decision (last removal of IGP) political, contrary to its claim of granting...