DSP suspended for assaulting journalists in Teen Talwar rally

The Karachi police office on Saturday issued a suspension order for a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) on Saturday following allegations of assaulting journalists during a rally in Clifton.

According to officials, the order issued on Saturday stated, "Zulfiqar Ali Sammo, DSP presently posted as SDPO Defence Sub-Division District South, Karachi, is hereby transferred and closed to the Karachi Police Office (KPO) with immediate effect, while Kashif Nadeem, DSP presently posted as SDPO Darakhshan Sub-Division District South, Karachi will look after the charge of SDPO Defence in addition to his own duties, till further orders."

Meanwhile, the Crime Reporters Association released a statement saying, "Last month, two senior crime reporters of the Crime Reporters Association, Mohammad Salman from ARY News, Afzal Pervaiz from Suno News, cameraman Ahmer Abbas, and others were assaulted during a rally of a political party at Clifton Teen Talwar."

"After a thorough review of the violence by the police over the incident, the CRA's executive committee met with the Karachi police chief and the DIG South, who had suspended the DSP immediately after the incident and assured full action," the statement continued. Furthermore, it was stated that "the Additional Inspector General of Karachi, fulfilling the promise made to the CRA immediately after the incident, suspended DSP Zulfiqar Samoon and wrote a letter to the higher officials for further action."

This action by the Karachi Police chief was expected to address alleviate the growing concerns about the police among journalists.