The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has compelled the federal government to take action by removing Islamabad Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon from their positions.

This decision, affecting a grade 20 officer in Dr Khan and a grade 19 officer in Memon of the Pakistan Administrative Service, follows previous delays in implementing the ECP’s orders, issued on October 26.

Despite the ECP’s initial directive to the Secretary Establishment Division, prompting the removal of both officials, the federal government had not promptly executed the orders.

However, recent developments indicate progress in this matter, with the Ministry of Interior now issuing a letter to the Establishment Division to effect the necessary changes.

Dr Akbar Nasir Khan assumed the role of Islamabad’s police chief on May 21, 2022, under the Shehbaz Sharif government, having previously served in the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

Notably, in October of the same year, IG Islamabad faced allegations of corruption, with the Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab registering a case against him.

The charges included tampering with documents to award contracts and causing an Rs30.5 million loss to the government.

Despite multiple summons by ACE Punjab, Dr Khan did not respond to the notices, leading to increased scrutiny and eventual administrative action by the federal government in response to the ECP’s directive.