KP Cabinet Moves to File FIR Against IGP Islamabad

PESHAWAR: In a significant development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet has decided to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Ali Nasir Rizvi. This decision comes in response to what the provincial government describes as illegal actions taken against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters and the damage inflicted on the KP House located in the federal capital.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, addressed the excessive use of force employed by the Islamabad police against PTI workers. Reports of unprecedented tear gas shelling and violence during the protests were discussed, leading to a consensus among cabinet members that the police's actions could be classified as terrorism. Consequently, the FIR against the IGP will include provisions related to terrorism.

Moreover, the cabinet expressed strong disapproval of the closure of the KP House by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). In a broader move, the cabinet plans to file a case against 600 unidentified police personnel involved in the incident.

In addition to these pressing matters, the KP cabinet approved the forwarding of several resolutions adopted by the Provincial Assembly to the Federal Government. These resolutions, numbered 72, 73, 83, 84, 85, 92, 94, and 95, reflect the provincial government's stance on various issues.

Another topic of discussion was the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024, introduced by Muhammad Javed Khan and four other Members of the National Assembly (MNAs). The cabinet expressed regret over the tabling of this bill, which seeks to amend Article 140A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The proposed amendments aim to centralize the local government system, a move that the cabinet argues undermines the provincial autonomy granted by the Constitution.

The cabinet emphasized that local government is a devolved subject, and each province, including the Federal Capital, has the authority to establish its own local government systems based on local needs. This assertion is grounded in Article 140A of the Constitution and the Elections Act of 2017.

In other decisions, the cabinet approved the transfer of 20 acres of land from the Agriculture Research Department to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department for the establishment of a Mini Zoo in Dera Ismail Khan. Additionally, the Staff Training Institute (STI) was awarded the status of an attached department, although this will not affect the scheduled vacancies of the Provincial Management Service (PMS) Officers.

Furthermore, Syed Murtaza Asghar Bukhari was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Trans Peshawar (Urban Mobility Company). The cabinet also granted permission to Ijaz Ahmad, a PMS officer, to file a lawsuit for damages against an individual who had harassed him with repeated and baseless complaints. It is important to note that government servants must seek prior approval from the government before pursuing such legal actions.

Lastly, the cabinet approved the installation and operation of Alaman Seyyam Sugar Mills Private Limited in Dera Ismail Khan, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering healthy competition among industrialists and investors.

This series of decisions by the KP cabinet underscores the ongoing tensions between provincial and federal authorities, particularly regarding the treatment of political protests and the autonomy of local governance. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the political landscape in Pakistan.