CJ IHC Slams Police Misconduct, Orders Inquiry into Detention of Citizens
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20: The Islamabad High Court has directed the Inspector General (IG) of Police to investigate a case involving the alleged illegal detention of three citizens and submit a report by September 24. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued the order during a hearing of a petition filed by Hasnain Ali against the unlawful confinement of the individuals.
IG Islamabad, Ali Nasir Rizvi, appeared before the court in response to the summons. During the hearing, the Chief Justice raised serious concerns about the accountability system within the Islamabad Police, highlighting the repeated need for the IG to appear before the court due to misconduct by his officers.
"You are the highest-ranking officer of Islamabad Police, yet you are constantly called to court because of your officers. I had summoned the DIG, but it was reported that he was unreachable. If one officer is unavailable, another should appear. If I order someone to present themselves, they must do so," remarked Justice Aamer Farooq.
The IG responded that the DIG should have appeared in court, to which the Chief Justice expressed frustration over the misuse of authority within the police department, citing this case as a "classic example."
The petitioner's lawyer stated that the three individuals were taken from the SP's office on September 17, while the police claim that they were formally arrested and charged on September 19. The Chief Justice pointed out the suspicious timing, stating, "Is it just a coincidence that the FIR was lodged and remand taken immediately after a habeas corpus petition was filed?"
Justice Farooq criticized the police for fabricating paperwork to cover their tracks and added, "I don't believe in coincidences. The case now falls under my jurisdiction, and I will issue an order."
The IG assured the court that he would personally oversee the investigation and form a committee to look into the matter. In response, Justice Farooq warned that public trust in the police would erode if such misconduct continues, emphasizing that numerous complaints against officers already exist.
The Chief Justice further criticized the involvement of police officers in land grabbing, questioning how officers could afford vast amounts of land. He asked the IG, "Is there no accountability? Your officers are buying thousands of kanals of land—where is this money coming from?"
Justice Aamer Farooq concluded by stating that he would also investigate the magistrates who issue remand orders without substantial evidence, adding that such practices bring disrepute to both the judiciary and the police.
