News Analysis |
The district police officer (DPO) of Pakpattan Mr. Rizwan Gondal has been immediately transferred and made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for allegedly stopping Khawar Maneka, ex-husband of first lady Bushra Maneka. On August 23, it was reported that a police team led by DPO Rizwan Omar Gondal briefly intercepted Khawar’s car after he didn’t stop when signaled by the police to do so. Khawar was also believed to have misbehaved with the officials.
The officer was later directed to visit Maneka Dera, Khawar’s residence, and tender an apology to him for intercepting the vehicle. According to media reports, the DPO told a meeting called by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar that the police department had only fulfilled its duties and that he won’t apologize to Maneka.
Shortly after, the officer was transferred and asked to report to Central Police Office (CPO) in Lahore. PM Imran Khan has taken the notice of the matter. He has directed the CM Punjab to submit a report on the issue.
Read more: Imran Khan welcomes Bushra Maneka’s daughter in PTI
IGP Punjab Refutes Officer’s Claims
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Punjab police denied the transfer of DPO due to any pressure. He said that inspector-general of police (IGP) Kaleem Imam transferred the officer for falsely narrating the incident to higher authorities. He further said that the DPO repeatedly misreported the misbehaving of police with citizens.
Social Media Reacts
Social media has reacted to the development where people have slammed PTI for diverting its promised idea of change and development. The PTI was apparently determined to de-politicize the police but the transfer of a DPO for not bowing down before a powerful family has raised many questions over the performance of the government.
Arshad Sharif, a journalist, said “DPO #PakPattan Rizwan Gondal transferred after local police reportedly stopped Khawar Maneka, former husband of the First Lady, at a Check post. Inquiry being held by #PunjabPolice to ascertain facts. A story with much more details and interesting versions…..”
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DPO #PakPattan Rizwan Gondal transferred after local police reportedly stopped Khawar Maneka, former husband of the First Lady, at a Checkpost.
Inquiry being held by #PunjabPolice to ascertain facts.
A story with much more details and interesting versions….. pic.twitter.com/KwMbb30Vjy— Arshad Sharif (@arsched) August 27, 2018
Another investigative journalist Rauf Kalsra also tweeted and said “I have checked facts from multiple authentic sources and all have confirmed as how mighty Manika family got DPO insulted, humiliated and removed by CM Buzdar. @AmirMateen2 may share more shocking information tonight in the show on the same issue @Muqabil92 @92newschannel 10.03pm”
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I have checked facts from multiple authentic sources and all have confirmed as how mighty Manika family got DPO insulted,humiliated and removed by CM Buzdar. @AmirMateen2 may share more shocking information tonight in show on same issue @Muqabil92 @92newschannel
10.03pm https://t.co/wMLhxwNPDK— Rauf Klasra (@KlasraRauf) August 27, 2018
ANP’s Bushra Gohar also slammed the Punjab government. “Kudos to DPO #Pakpattan #RizwanGondal for not giving in to political pressures. Shame on #GayaPunjab Govt for taking action against the police officer for doing his job. Must reverse the #Sharamnak orders & stop political interference,” she wrote.
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Kudos to DPO #Pakpattan #RizwanGondal for not giving in to political pressures. Shame on #GayaPunjab Govt for taking action against the police officer for doing his job. Must reverse the #Sharamnak orders & stop political interference. https://t.co/eTShcgJ2Sp
— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) August 27, 2018
Mr. Khalid Farooq, former IGP Punjab, termed the incident “deplorable”. “Making DPO Pakpattan OSD by Punjab govt on refusal to visit dera of Khawar maneka for apology on being checked at Police check post is deplorable. This order goes against the declared vision of IK for depoliticisation & autonomy for police. Hope he takes notice. Police off agitated,” he said.
Making DPO Pakpattan OSD by Punjab govt on refusal to visit dera of Khawar maneka for apology on being checked at Police check post is deplorable. This order goes against declared vision of IK for depoliticisation & autonomy for police . Hope he takes notice . Police off.agitated
— Khawaja Khalid Farooq (@Kkf50) August 27, 2018
Senior journalist Kamran Khan was shocked to see the performance of the PTI-led government.’ What the hell is this going on, The district police officer of Pakpattan transferred after he intercepted Khawar Maneka, former husband of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, for speeding. AND CM BUZDAR enjoying GOP jet to entertain family وہ انتظار تھا جسکا یہ وہ سحر تو نہیں’ he said.
What the hell is this going on, The district police officer of Pakpattan transferred after he intercepted Khawar Maneka, former husband of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, for speeding.AND CM BUZDAR enjoying GOP jet to entertain family وہ انتظار تھا جسکا یہ وہ سحر تو نہیں pic.twitter.com/PAc56mLlqp
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) August 27, 2018
Imran Khan has said in his first speech after winning the elections that nobody is above the law and his government will ensure that every citizen is treated equally before the law.
This case is a test for PM Khan, whether he would deliver on promises of bringing the change he made to the nation during his election campaigns by taking strong action against those patronizing the elite or would just keep on following the traditions set by the previous government.