KARACHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought comprehensive reports from the Establishment Division secretary, federal government and Sindh home secretary regarding the action taken against 35 police officers of BPS-18 and above and 31 officials of BPS-17 who were found involved in misuse of power.
The bench of the apex court consisting of Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah at its Karachi Registry was hearing a case pertaining to the involvement of policemen in crimes.
During the hearing, the court once again expressed its displeasure over inaction against ‘big fish’. “Why should punishment be different when the crimes are the same? Why there were so many discrepancies in punishments?” asked Justice Gulzar Ahmed.
“Everyone is busy with their own affairs; no one is interested in governance/government. The entire department [police] should resign over this matter,” the judges observed.
Complying with the court’s directives, the provincial inspector general, AD Khawaja, appeared before it and submitted a report, informing the court that there was no discrimination in initiating action against the delinquent officers.
He submitted that up to the level of BPS-16, the police department was competent to take disciplinary action, while the police chief could not take action against officers of BPS-17 and above. He added that the home minister was the competent authority to take action against officials of BPS-17, while for officials of BPS-18 and above, the chief minister had the powers through the SGA&CD.
Published in Daily Times, November 17th 2017.
