The federal cabinet on Tuesday delayed the appointment of a new Inspector-General Police (IGP) Sindh after the government's allies expressed "deep reservations" over the decision.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan confirmed that a panel of names to replace Sindh IG Dr Kaleem Imam were discussed between the prime minister and the Sindh chief minister in their meeting on Monday.
"The majority of our allies in the cabinet, particularly those from Sindh and Karachi expressed their deep reservations over the panel of names [for new Sindh IG presented to them," said Awan.
She said PM Imran had directed Sindh Governor Imran Ismail to form a consensus with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the new IG's appointment.
SAPM Awan said that the governor and chief minister will deliberate not only on the same names but new ones as well to replace Imam. She said that the names of the candidates will then be put forward before the cabinet for approval.
"The appointment of Mushtaq Mehar as Sindh IGP has been deferred," she said.
PM Imran has reportedly summoned Sindh's top police official to Islamabad where they are expected to hold a meeting.
The development comes a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met to discuss the appointment of a new Sindh IG. The Sindh government has been criticising IG Kaleem Imam, accusing him of not performing satisfactorily.
A couple of days ago, the Sindh cabinet had taken the decision to appoint a new IG to replace Imam. The federal government had earlier snubbed the Sindh government, saying Imam would continue to serve as IGP until further notice.
Earlier today (Tuesday) Kaleem Imam ignited controversy when he broke his silence on the news surrounding his removal, saying that he "will not be transferred so easily".
The police chief made the comment while addressing a ceremony in remembrance of fallen police officers.
“I will not go so easily. There has been a major conspiracy against me and the impression is being given that I have already been transferred,” Imam said.
He noted that it seemed as if his speech at the event was "a farewell speech", but told the police officials that this news was "untrue".
