Senior KP Police officers likely to be reshuffled

SSP Operations Peshawar, many DPOs to get new assignments

PESHAWAR: As Ashura Muharram has passed off peacefully all over the province, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police authorities are likely to reshuffle a number of senior police officers who have been serving on some positions since long, a source said on Friday.

Those likely to be given new assignments in the coming few days include senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and superintendents of police (SPs) who are currently serving as district police officers (DPOs) or are posted in other offices and wings of the force.

Sources said majority of those being reshuffled have been serving on their current positions since long.The sources said that some of the postings were long overdue, but the authorities were waiting for Muharram as the entire force was engaged in arranging adequate security for Ashura.

Despite a number of threats, the Ashura was observed peacefully all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with no untoward incident reported from any district of the province.Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nasir Khan Durrani appreciated the effective planning and execution of Muharram strategy by the field commanders.

While lauding the police and other forces, the IGP also thanked the leaders of different sects, notables, political leaders and media for extending full cooperation to the police for ensuring effective security and religious harmony during Muharram.

The threat level was high in Peshawar for being the capital city of the province and being the venue for the highest number of Muharram processions and gatherings. The effective measures taken by the police and the round-the-clock monitoring by the officers foiled sabotage plans during Ashura.

“The officers who are likely to be given new assignments include SSP Operations Peshawar and DPOs of Swat, Swabi, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Chitral and some other districts,” a source said.A few senior officers posted at the Central Police Office or other wings are also likely to be posted as DPOs.

“Two DPOs and another officer coming from abroad are being considered for posting as SSP Operations Peshawar. The incumbent SSP Operations Peshawar is likely to be posted either in Kohat or Abbottabad after serving in the capital city for 10 months. No major terrorist incident happened in the city during the current year,” the source said. 

Another DPO is being considered for the post of SSP Coordination Peshawar, which is presently being occupied by a senior officer as additional charge. The source added that the capital city would also get more SPs for posting in different divisions in a few days.

A senior DPO is expected to be posted as chief security officer to Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. “Some of the officers posted in Peshawar valley, southern and northern districts and Hazara Range are likely to get new assignments in the coming days,” the source added.