Sindh govt withdraws some powers from IGP AD Khawaja

The Sindh government on Friday issued a notification withdrawing powers of Inspector General of Police (IGP) AD Khawaja to decide the transfers and postings of senior police officials in the province.

Approved by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the order empowers the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department of the provincial government to issue the transfers and postings of SPs, SSPs and equivalent officers with direct approval of the chief minister.

"Chief Minister Sindh has been pleased to approve that the transfers and postings of Superintendents of Police (BS-18)/ Senior Superintendents of Police (BS-19) and equivalent shall be issued by the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department," reads the order issued by provincial Chief Secretary Rizwan Memon.

According to the notification, the order is in accordance with Rule 9(2) of the Sindh Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion & Transfer) Rules, 1974.

The government's order of August 9, 2016, whereby powers were delegated to the IGP for transfers and postings of SPs and SSPs "is hereby cancelled/withdrawn", reads the order.

Issues between the provincial government and IGP Khawaja surfaced last year, when the latter was sent on ‘forced leave’ in December.

In April this year, the Sindh government ‘surrendered’ Khawaja’s services to the federal government as it appointed Additional IG Abdul Majeed Dasti as the force’s top boss.

However, the Sindh High Court (SHC) suspended the provincial government's notification for Khawaja's removal.