Mar 30, 2013
* Aftab Sultan asserts law breakers will be dealt sternly and indiscriminately
* Police force to be deployed at all polling stations; stresses law and merit
Staff Report
LAHORE: National Police Academy Commandant Aftab Sultan has been made new Inspector General of Punjab (IGP), a federal government notification on Friday said.
Aftab Sultan categorically announced that no compromise will be made on law and order and holding of general elections in the province in a fair, free, and transparent manner. Underlining his priorities in his maiden exclusive interview with APP, he said that all-out efforts will be made on top priority to maintain law and order across the province besides helping conduct fair and impartial general polls without succumbing to pressure from any quarter.
Sultan warned that “No one will be allowed to take law of land in his hand to achieve ulterior motives and create law and order situation and who so ever violates will face the music and wrath of law irrespective of social status”. On the other hand, he hoped that all political parties, their supporters and candidates will strictly adhere to the code of conduct of Election Commission of Pakistan. Aftab Sultan said that wholehearted and full-fledged cooperation will be extended to the election commission for free polling in every nook and corner of the province.
He said police force will be deployed at all polling stations and wherever required the services of troops of Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers will be acquired for assistance to the civil administration. The new IGP said that all regional police officers, capital city police officers and district police officers will be personally responsible for law and order in their respective jurisdiction, failing which strict action will be taken against them. “I always firmly believe in rule of law and supremacy of merit,” he said and added that during his tenure he will make it sure that no injustice is done to anyone, as all people are equal before him.
Sultan said that divisional and district officers must also monitor the overall performance of their subordinates and those found guilty must never be spared. About the standard of investigation, he said those found guilty of defective investigation would be dismissed from service within the ambit of law, and police personnel showing negligence in discharge of their duty will be taken to task. Aftab Sultan warned all sub-divisional police officers and station house officers throughout the province to behave politely with aggrieved people who visit police stations for seeking justice and register their cases without any hitch. He said transfers and postings, if required, will be made absolutely on merit after proper approval of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Aftab Sultan has served the Punjab Police five times as SSP and has also served in the Special Branch. Among the offices he has held are: DIG Sargodha, DIG Elite Police Force, DIG Welfare and Finance, Director R&D.
(Daily Times)
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