Karachi (May 23, 2017) Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday extended its stay against removal of Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh AD Khawaja till Wednesday by adjourning hearing of the matter.
A division bench of SHC comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Arshad Hussain Khan heard a petition seeking contempt of court proceeding against Chief Minister Sindh for removing IGP Sindh and police reforms.
Advocate General Sindh Zamir Ghumro while advancing arguments said that under Civil Service Transfer and Posting Act, the Sindh government had complete authority to remove IGP. Upon this Justice Munib Akhtar asked the AGP what was his stance on tenure of posting. The Rules of Business formulated by Sindh government itself says posting of IGP would be for five year, the judge pointed out.
He further questioned as to why the government was violating its own Rule of Business. The court adjourned further hearing till tomorrow.
The petition has been filed a group of civil and human rights campaigners seeking police reforms.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Sindh Advocate General defended Khawaja’s removal as Sindh police chief, claiming that the petition against his removal had been filed to benefit one individual. The SHC bench, however, asked him to argue on the contempt petition filed against the Sindh government for removing the IGP in violation of the court’s stay order.
The AG argued that the plea was not maintainable for hearing under Article 212 of the Constitution of Pakistan. “It should be dismissed,” he maintained, adding there were other senior officers who were suitable for the post. Later, the hearing of the case was adjourned until May 24.
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