IGP transfer: Sindh govt not to consult governor

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday decided to transfer incumbent Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kaleem Imam to the post of Secretary Narcotics Division of the federal government, reported Geo News.

The decision was taken at a meeting between PM Imran and Sindh IGP Imam in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the province’s inspector general briefed the prime minister regarding the law and order situation across the province.

The federal cabinet on Tuesday delayed the appointment of a Sindh new Inspector General of Police (IGP) after the government's allies expressed "deep reservations" over a request by Sindh to transfer Imam out of the province.

The delay came a day after PM Imran and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met to discuss the appointment of a new Sindh IGP.

A couple of days ago, the Sindh cabinet had decided to appoint a new IGP to replace Imam. The federal government had earlier snubbed a request from Sindh to remove Imam, saying he continued to serve as IGP until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) said the governor and opposition had no role in appointing the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Sindh.

The statement came a day after the federal government urged the chief minister to appoint Sindh's top cop after consulting Governor Imran Ismail.

Speaking to the media, Sindh Chief Minister's Adviser on Information, Law, and Anti-Corruption Murtaza Wahab expressed disappointment over the federal government's move to backtrack from appointing a new Sindh IGP.

Wahab said the federal government was provided three names by the Sindh government at first and later, two, for the post of Sindh IGP. The consultation process between the federal government and Sindh had started on December 23, 2019, he added.

"We were told that the prime minister was in Davos and that he would resolve the issue [of the new IGP's appointment] as soon as he returns to the country," said Wahab.