KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday agreed on appointing Mushtaq Mehar as the new Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP), replacing Kaleem Iman as the provincial police chief.
The move comes after a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Prime Minister Imran Khan in Karachi on the same day, where the chief minister formally requested the premier to replace the incumbent provincial police chief, Imam.
The matter had been a bone of contention between the federal government and the Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) Sindh government for weeks, with the provincial government earlier recommending Imam's removal claiming he had failed to perform satisfactorily. The federal government had earlier snubbed the Sindh government, saying Imam would continue to serve as IGP until further notice.
Sources told Geo News that PM Imran and CM Murad reached a consensus over Mehar as Imam’s replacement, with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also backing the decision.
The sources added that a notification in this regard is likely to be issued on Tuesday following a meeting of the federal cabinet.
According to sources, CM Murad also told the prime minister that differences and uncertainty were causing problems. The chief minister also put forward reservations and decisions of the provincial cabinet.
PM Imran arrived in the metropolis for a one-day visit on Monday and is set to meet businessmen and attend a Kamyab Jawan Programme cheque distribution ceremony. Governor Ismail and CM Murad received the premier at PAF Base Faisal.
The prime minister is scheduled to attend a fundraising event for the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital. PM Imran will also be the chief guest at a cheque distribution ceremony for the Kamiyab Jawan Programme beneficiaries in the city.
The visit to Karachi comes amid reports that relations between the premier and the Sindh government have been improving. Quoting unnamed sources at the CM House, The News reported on Monday that the PM’s behaviour has been very cordial with the Sindh CM lately.