In a major move, the Sindh government has taken back the notification regarding the removal of four counter-terrorism experts, including ex-Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi Ghulam Qadir Thebo reportedly on pressure from the military leadership, it was reliably learnt.
Sources told Pakistan Today that the military leadership, while expressing concerns over the decision, asked the provincial government to reconsider the move. They were of the view that the transfer of these officers was a violation of the apex committee’s decision to take all the committee members into confidence before the transfer and posting of senior officers engaged in counter-terrorism activities.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led Sindh government in a major reshuffle on July 17 removed AIG Ghulam Qadir Thebo, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) AIG Sanaullah Abbasi, DIG Sultan Khawaja and SSP Tariq Dharejo, who had earlier served as district south SSP, from their offices.
AIG Ghulam Qadir Thebo was transferred to serve as the chairman of the Anti-Corruption Department while AIG Abbasi, DIG Khawaja and SSP Dharejo were directed to report to Islamabad. However, the Sindh government on August 1 removed AIG Ghulam Qadir Thebo from his new office and directed him to report to the Centre.
The sudden decision of the Sindh government surprised everyone as the PPP had demanded the services of these officers from the centre and posted them on key positions – given their good reputations – soon after it came into power in 2008.
It was said that the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah was informed by Inspector General (IG) Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali and Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal that these officers were more loyal to the military leadership than the Sindh government, advising that their services were no longer required. This irked the CM who directed the chief secretary to draft a summary that he approved and sent the officers packing.
However, the military leadership had expressed their concerns over this sudden decision and asked the provincial government to review its decision.
“Following the concerns of the establishment, the Sindh government has withdrawn the notification regarding the removal of the said police officers,” an official of the Sindh government said on condition of anonymity. “However, the Sindh government cannot decide what positions to post these officers at yet,” he maintained.
Talking to Pakistan Today, AIG Sanaullah Abbasi, who was transferred few days after the Sindh Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar visited his office personally and lauded his services in dealing with terrorism, has confirmed that the provincial government has withdrawn its notification regarding his removal. When he was asked about reasons behind his removal, he said it was a mystery.
