Islamabad Police might be getting a new inspector general (IG) as Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has decided to transfer Islamabad IG Aftab Cheema.
According to a local media report, the final decision is to be taken after consultation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after Eidul Fitr holidays.
Nisar’s decision to transfer Cheema was probably taken after Cheema applied for one year ex-Pakistan leave to go to the US. The minister had rejected the IG’s leave application, saying that the IG should focus on controlling crime in the capital. Later, the minister approved a 45-day leave for Cheema, but remained unhappy that the leave request had come while Islamabad was facing multiple challenges.
The report said that the main reason the shortened leave application was accepted was that Rangers and Elite Force officials are on hand to support the police for the next three months.
The report quoted Nisar as saying, “At a time when the capital is facing multiple challenges, top cops are applying for leave.” The minister reportedly added, “It would be better to appoint new officials.”
It should be mentioned here that in May, the IG had gone to US for one week, during which time Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had held a large protest in Islamabad. Now, with the PTI planning a sit-in in the capital, Cheema has applied for leave again.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Jawad Paul had applied for a three-month leave, which was conditionally approved by the minister, pending the appointment of new chief commissioner.
The Islamabad Capital Territory administration and Islamabad police spokespersons were unavailable for comment.