Rizwan Gondal's transfer case: SC summons Khawar Maneka and his son

Rizwan Gondal's transfer case: SC summons Khawar Maneka and his son

Islamabad (Staff Report): The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday summoned Khawar Maneka and his son, Ibrahim Maneka in the case regarding transfer of Pakpattan District Police Officer Rizwan Gondal.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar is hearing the suo motu case.

As the hearing started, the CJ asked, "What is this case? For the past five days, the whole nation has been discussing it."

"I keep repeating this, we want an independent police force," THE Chief Justice remarked.

 "If the transfer was made on the request of the chief minister or the person sitting next to him then this is not right.", the CJP added.

The Chief Justice also inquired where Khawar Maneka and Ahsan Jameel Gujjar were. "Why was the DPO asked to visit Maneka's house to apologise and why was he transferred at 1am?" Justice Nisar asked.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked, "We will not tolerate political interference or influence."

To this, the CJP added, "We will see how transfers are made through exerting pressure."

The bench then ordered Khawar Maneka, Ibrahim Maneka and Ahsan Jameel to appear before it before 4pm today.

It also directed Pakpattan DPO Rizwan Umar Gondal and the regional police officer to submit affidavits.

On Thursday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of the transfer of Pakpattan District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Gondal.

The top judge summoned Rizwan Umar Gondal , Inspector General Punjab Police, and the Regional Police Officer in personal capacity.

Gondal was reportedly transferred after he intercepted Khawar Maneka, former husband of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, for speeding.

According to media reports, the personnel tried to stop Khawar Maneka at a checkpoint on August 23 but he did not stop. However, they chased his vehicle and managed to intercept him.

Maneka, a senior official of Customs department, misbehaved with the police and used abusive language.

Last week, Punjab CM Usman Buzdar summoned Gondal and asked him to go to Pakpattan to seek an apology from Khawar.

However, the DPO refused to obey the orders, saying the police was not at fault over intercepting him.

Buzdar had also instructed the DPO and Regional Police Officer (RPO) to resolve the matter.