Supreme Court dismisses Punjab appeals against police promotions

By Adnan Bhatti

LAHORE -- The Supreme Court has dismissed the Punjab government's appeals challenging the promotions of police officers Mustafa Hassan and Raza Abbas on the grounds that they were filed after the prescribed statutory period had expired.

A two-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and comprising Justice Irfan Saadat, heard the appeals and expressed strong displeasure over the extraordinary delay in their filing.

During the hearing, Justice Irfan Saadat observed that the day everyone acknowledged their accountability before Allah Almighty would mark the beginning of improvement in society.

He remarked that senior police officers deliberately filed appeals late so that they would be dismissed, shifting the entire burden on to the courts. He added that the explanations offered to justify the delay were extremely weak and unfounded.

During the proceedings, the Additional Prosecutor submitted that the government's case was strong on merit but that the petitions had been filed merely as a formality. He also disclosed that he had received telephone calls from 50 officers in connection with the case.

The court subsequently rejected the explanations for the delay and dismissed the appeals as time-barred.

It may be recalled that the police officers had approached the Supreme Court in 2013 seeking promotions. Following the court's decision, the officers concerned will receive all their admissible benefits.

Mustafa Hassan is currently serving as DSP Development at the Capital City Police Officer's (CCPO) office.

Commenting on the outcome of the case, DSP Mustafa Hassan said it was all the result of the prayers of the martyrs.