ISLAMABAD: Five police officers, including the SHO (Station House Officer) of Margalla Police Station, have been suspended by Islamabad police a day after a “mistaken” raid at the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
The special force of Islamabad Police conducted the raid on Saturday, intending to apprehend proclaimed offenders involved in the May 9 violence and other anti-state activities. However, upon realizing that the house belonged to Barrister Gohar, the police party immediately withdrew.
During the raid, the police reportedly manhandled Barrister Gohar’s family, damaged property, and confiscated valuable documents, mobile phones, and a laptop. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed concern over the incident and directed the additional attorney general to investigate the matter.
In a statement, the capital police explained that the local police had reached F-7/2 to apprehend a proclaimed offender based on an informant’s tip. Upon discovering that it was Barrister Gohar’s residence, the police party immediately retreated.
The Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) was summoned by CJP Isa to investigate the matter, and the PTI leader was assured that departmental action would be taken if any police officer was found guilty.
The Director of Police Operations (DPO) has been appointed as an inquiry officer to conduct a fact-finding inquiry and submit a detailed report within three days. As a result of the preliminary inquiry, five officers, including the SHO of Margalla, have been suspended until further orders.
The police emphasized that strict action would be taken against officials who violated the law during the incident.
