SSP Mufakhar accused of killing ex-law officer dismissed from service

LAHORE: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mufakhar Adeel, the prime suspect facing charges of murdering his childhood friend and former Assistant Advocate General (AAG) Punjab Shahbaz Tatla, has been dismissed from service.

According to an Establishment Division’s notification, the Secretary Establishment Division dismissed the former SSP after an investigation against him.

Notification of former SSP Mufakhar Adeel dismissal. Image: Shahid Aslam

“Consequent upon finalization of disciplinary proceedings initiated under Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 1973, vide Order of even number dated 10-11-2020, the Secretary Establishment Division / Authority in terms of Rule 2 (2) of the Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 1973, has imposed a major penalty of “Dismissal from Service” upon Mufakhar Adeel under Rule 5(1)(iv) read with Rule 4(1)(b)(iv) and Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rule, 1973.”

“Adeel has a right of appeal to the Appellate Authority under the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rule, 1977, within 30 days of the issuance of this notification,” it added.

Slain former Assistant Advocate General (AAG) Punjab Shahbaz Tatla. Image: Shahid Aslam

The former SSP had confessed to killing his friend and ex-law officer Tatla in February 2020. Later in March last year, he also admitted killing the ex- AAG in the name of ‘honour’.

Adeel had confessed to the police that with the help of an aide, he had first strangulated Tatla to death before putting his body into a drum full of acid.

The prime suspect, currently in Kot Lakhpat jail, is facing the murder trial at a local court in Lahore. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, Sessions and High Court had previously rejected his bail applications in the same case.