Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday directed Inspector General of Police Punjab Arif Nawaz to hold an inquiry against Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer (RPO) Raja Riffat on charges of misuse of power. A bench headed by CJP was hearing a matter against a pharmaceutical company named M/S Everest involved in spurious medicine business.
Previously, a team of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) in compliance with the court's order sealed the company and arrested its owner Muhammad Usman, who happens to be brother-in-law of RPO Riffat. The police officer was accused of misusing his office to hamper the course of law to protect his brother-in-law.
The Chief Justice observed that several FIRs were registered against the officials of Drap and the NAB also issued summons to them soon after the action taken against the pharmaceutical company. He pointed out that even federal secretary health also conceded before the court that the state has totally failed before the said company.
"Who has been causing this harassment to the government institutions?" the Chief Justice questioned the IGP. The IGP assured that the officer was not involved in extending harassment to any other department or misusing his authority. However, he said there must be an inquiry into the allegations on the officer.
The Chief Justice directed the IGP to hold an inquiry into the charges and submit his report by March 12.
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