- Justice Shah lashes out at Sindh IG, Karachi police chief for inaction against masked policemen who attacked Zulfiqar Mirza’s guards and broke windows of his vehicles
The Sindh High Court (SHC) Monday expressed anger over police action which took place outside its premises on Saturday.
A heavy contingent of police backed by Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and masked personnel of the Special Security Unit (SSU) on Saturday besieged the SHC building and rounded up over two dozen supporters of former home minister and disgruntled PPP leader Zulfiqar Mirza while journalists covering the incident were also subjected to manhandling.
In reaction to this incident the SHC on Monday expressed anger towards the IGP Sindh, Additional IG, DIG South and other officials. Addressing IGP Sindh, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah remarked that the names of those involved in the incident should be provided. Justice Shah warned the IGP that if he did not tell the truth, then contempt of court proceedings would be initiated against him.
He inquired why Additional IGP Ghullan Haider Thebo had not reached the SHC when the incident was taking place. Justice Sajjad remarked that what happened would not be tolerated and if false statements are made the court would not allow the IGP or Additional IG to work in the province.
Justice Sajjad asked that if people with Zulfiqar Mirza were terrorists, how many shots had they fired. He directed the police officials to submit a personal affidavit stating who is responsible.
IGP Sindh responded that there was a law and order problem in the Karachi, terrorism was taking place and Zulfiqar Mirza had formed a private militia.
Justice Sajjad replied that the IGP should be wary of his post and inform how many suspensions had been handed down since Saturday’s incident. “Tell us the name of the police official who ordered this action. The entire administrative machinery is being used for personal purposes,” Justice Sajjad said to the IGP.
“Were you asleep when the hoodlums committed that attack outside the Sindh High Court?” Justice Sajjad Ali Shah asked AIG Thebo. “Who had ordered that attack?” the judge further asked.
While hearing Zulfiqar Mirza s case, Justice Sajjah Ali Shah remarked that court has been attacked and none will be spared in connection with the incident. The court warned that top police officials will be suspended if names of the attackers were not revealed.
The court ordered immediate action against those involved in manhandling of journalists outside the high court premises.
The bench expressed indignation over manhandling of newsmen by the masked hooligans outside the court on previous hearing of the case.
The court suspended SSP South Captain Asad till the next hearing of the case.
The court directed the Chief Secretary, I.G. Sindh and Home Secretary to submit written affidavits apart of immediate action against the accused involved in the incident.
The court later adjourned the hearing till May 26, 2015.
Earlier as the IG reached the SHC, he was welcomed by a strong protest demonstration by journalists and cameramen over police highhandedness. He had to rush inside the court premises to escape the wrath of media persons there.