RAWALPINDI:
A Punjab legislator from PP-7 Constituency has submitted a motion of privilege to the Punjab Assembly after a political standoff erupted between him, his men and the Kahuta Circle police regarding the detention and release of some suspects.
The dispute came to light after a police report alleged that MPA Raja Sagheer and his supporters had forcibly removed suspects from the police station. In response, the MPA has taken the matter to the Punjab Assembly and submitted a motion of privilege.
According to sources, tensions have been escalating in the Kahuta Circle between local police officials, including the DSP and SHO, and the region’s elected representatives. While the MPA had previously been treated with political consideration in certain matters, increasing criticism from local political actors towards the police has strained relations.
The immediate confrontation reportedly occurred in January this year, following a minor altercation between two parties. Police had taken some suspects into custody for investigation, prompting large gatherings of locals outside the station. Raja Sagheer and his supporters arrived to defuse the situation, and the police subsequently released the detainees.
However, a police report dated January 20, authored by Kahuta SHO Inspector Amir Khan, later surfaced. It claims that while on special law-and-order duty, ASI Imran Rasheed informed the SHO that the DSP had handed over three suspects for investigation.
The report states that Sagheer, along with 25 supporters, arrived at the station and forcibly took the suspects, despite objections. When questioned, ASI Rasheed reportedly offered no explanation for not stopping the MPA. Other officers and staff were present during the incident.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the youths taken by the MPA were involved in the altercation, and that Raja Sagheer claimed he was mediating between the parties. Interestingly, more than a month later, no FIR or further legal action was taken, and the police termed the matter a “non-issue” after the report went public.
Recently, during an open court in Kahuta presided over by Operations SSP Malik Tariq Mehmood – with the MPA present – locals again raised complaints about police conduct, indicating tensions remain high.
When contacted, MPA Raja Sagheer said he had submitted a motion of privilege in the Punjab Assembly, requesting the matter be presented before the Privilege Committee.
He said that, as an elected representative, he had gone to the police station after being informed that people had gathered there over an incident. He claimed that the police were misrepresenting what had been a minor dispute between two parties.
He insisted that the truth will emerge once the assembly committee reviews the matter.
