PHP ASI accuses own SP of vendetta

By Adnan Bhatti

GUJRANWALA -- An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) has filed a formal complaint against his own superintendent of police (SP), alleging that he was suspended out of personal vendetta after refusing to extend protocol in the issuance of a driving licence to the officer's son and for taking lawful action against a truck travelling on the wrong side of the road.

According to the complaint, a copy of which is available to GNN reporter, ASI Waqar Ahmed, posted at the PHP Chhachhar Wali post in Gujranwala, claimed that performing his duties within the ambit of the law had resulted not only in disciplinary action against him but also in his suspension.

The ASI stated that he and his team were conducting routine checking and accident-prevention duties near Maafi Wala Chowk when they spotted a Mazda truck (registration No CAG-7888) travelling at high speed on the wrong carriageway from Pindi Bypass towards Sialkot Bypass. He instructed fellow officer Imran Afzal to stop the vehicle, citing a series of accidents at the same location over the previous 10 days.

According to the complaint, the truck driver allegedly attempted to run over the policeman. The officer fell onto the vehicle's front safety guard, but the driver continued without stopping and drove to a warehouse. The officer managed to disembark there, while the police team pursued the vehicle to the premises.

The complaint further alleged that when the police arrived, two individuals were restraining the officer, who was subsequently freed by his colleagues. The truck driver, identified as Aman Ahmed, reportedly escaped, although two other individuals were taken into custody.

The incident was reported through the police helpline and Aroop police were called to the scene. Senior officers, including the duty officer (DO) and regional officer (RO), were informed. A subsequent raid was conducted with local police to recover the truck, but it was no longer at the warehouse.

The ASI alleged that he was later summoned by the regional officer, SP PHP Muazzam, who verbally abused him upon his arrival and warned that he had been waiting for an opportunity to "teach him a lesson". According to the complaint, when he attempted to explain the incident, the officer interrupted him, allegedly remarking that the truck should have been allowed to continue despite travelling on the wrong side of the road.

The complainant further alleged that the regional officer referred to his previous posting in the licensing branch and threatened to show him "what he could do". He said that he, along with other personnel and the post in-charge, was subsequently suspended.

In his complaint, the ASI claimed that the alleged hostility stemmed from an earlier incident involving the SP's son, who had visited the licensing branch to obtain a driving licence along with a friend. He alleged that when standard procedures were followed instead of granting preferential treatment, the officer's son became abusive and threatened him, identifying himself as the son of an SP. The matter, he said, had been reported to the duty officer at the time.

The ASI further claimed that since assuming charge of the Gujranwala Range, the regional officer had repeatedly sought information about his posting and performance, allegedly instructing subordinates to gather reports against him.

Maintaining that he had served for 22 years without any corruption complaint, the ASI denied any wrongdoing and appealed to senior authorities to provide him with justice. He alleged that the officer's conduct had damaged his dignity and reputation and insisted that he had acted strictly in accordance with the law.

However, SP Muazzam rejected the allegations, maintaining that the suspension was imposed solely because the personnel had jumped onto the moving Mazda truck during the operation, an action that could have resulted in a serious accident.

According to the SP, the disciplinary action was based entirely on safety considerations and not on any personal dispute.