Allegations of bias and political pressure surrounding Police Investigations in Sialkot

By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Police’s handling of a case in Sialkot has come under scrutiny amidst allegations of bias and political pressure. The case involving Adnan (Accused pary#1) has raised concerns over the integrity of the investigation process. The Kotli Said Ameer Police Station in Sialkot registered an FIR # 1/24 on January 1, 2024, from MST(R), implicating Adnan and Arif in the case.
Subsequently, a request was made to the District Police Officer (DPO), Sialkot in February 2024 for further 1st change of investigation the case under FIR No. 1/24 dated 2-01-2024. The Superintendent of Police, SP (Investigation), Malik Ghulam Abbas, was tasked with overseeing the re-investigation process and ensuring relief for the victims.
According to the applicant, a meeting of the District Standing Board at Sialkot was convened on March 30, 2024, where both parties presented their arguments. Despite the verbal support for 1st change of investigation of the case by SP Investigation during the proceedings of the Board’s meeting, the written directives rejected the request, leading to dissatisfaction among the parties concerned. The accused party#1 was of the view that they were denied and deprived of 1st change of investigation of the case which is tantamount to severe Human Rights Violation.
Following the rejection, the first party intended to appeal to the Regional Police Officer (RPO), Gujranwala, seeking reconsideration of the decision for provision of Justic.
Allegations have surfaced, suggesting that the decision against the accused party#1 was influenced by political pressure and other undisclosed factors, causing distress to the affected individuals. The accused parties argue that FIR No. 1/24 dated 2-01-2024 is false, citing that when incident occurred in Sialkot, but she was in Islamabad. They have provided call data records (CDR) and affidavits from the eyewitness individual of Islamabad to support their claim. The evidence, call data record (CDR) and all affidavits have been submitted to SP Investigation, Malik Ghulam Abbass, but documents were not considered, victim told.
SP Ghulam Abbas allegedly resorted to intimidation tactics during the board meeting, warning of “possible arrest” or bail cancellation if 1st change of investigation were to proceed.
According to accused party#1, Muhammad Ashraf – ASI of Kotli Said Ameer Police Station* filed the false and fake investigation report against FIR No. 1/24 dated 2-01-2024, adding another layer of complexity to the case. In addition to the above, SP investigation office did not inform to the applicant about the decision of the board officially until to date, he said.
The unfolding events in Sialkot highlight the challenges and complexities surrounding police investigations, with allegations of bias and political interference casting a shadow over the process. The affected parties continue to seek redress and justice amidst a climate of uncertainty and apprehension. The concerned police officers were contacted at official landlines telephone numbers, but they could not be contacted.