SHC extends stay order against IGP’s removal

The Sindh High Court on Thursday extended till May 16 its interim stay order against the transfer of provincial police chief AD Khowaja.

The court was hearing the petition filed by Karamat Ali and other right activists and non-government organisations against the repeal of the Police Order, 2002, purportedly through the Sindh (Repeal of the Police Order, 2002 & Revival of the Police Act, 1861) Act, 2011, lack of implementation of the Police Order, 2002, and the illegal action of the Sindh government with regards to transfer of IGP AD Khowaja.

The petitioners’ counsel Faisal Siddiqui concluded his arguments at yesterday’s hearing, submitting that the IGP could not be removed from office without completing his tenure. He stated that the Supreme Court had issued guidelines with regards to tenure of the civil servants in the Anita Turab case.

He submitted that the provincial government removed the IGP without giving any reasons, despite the Sindh government having earlier stated that it would not take any action against Khowaja.

The counsel submitted that the provincial government appointed several officers on the own-pay-scale basis, bypassing various senior officers in the police and other departments. He stated in the comments that the police department should be independent and de-politicised, adding that the court could order the constitution of a commission or legislation for reforms in the police department.

After hearing Siddiqui’s arguments, the SHC division bench headed by Justice Munib Akhtar adjourned the hearing till May 16 when the advocate general would submit his comments. In the meantime, the court extended the interim stay order against IGP Khowaja’s transfer.