By M.Ilyas Mullakhel
ISLAMABAD – The suspension of DIG Muhammad Ijaz Khan, PSP, a respected and honest police officer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has become a major controversy.His long and legally questionable suspension has created strong criticism against the federal government, with many calling it an example of injustice and political victimization.
Background of the Case
DIG Muhammad Ijaz Khan was suspended on April 9, 2024, while he was serving as RPO Hazara Division.Only six days later, on April 15, the Establishment Division wrote a formal letter to the Prime Minister, clearly stating that Muhammad Ijaz Khan’s name was not mentioned in any inquiry report and that action against him was unfair.The letter recommended that the suspension order should be withdrawn immediately.
Despite this, the suspension continues till today.This has raised serious questions about the federal government’s fairness, transparency, and respect for due process.
Bisham Tragedy and Security Responsibility
Government Sources confirm that DIG Ijaz Khan had no link with the Bisham tragedy, in which Chinese citizens lost their lives.
According to official security rules:
All non CPEC projects are the responsibility of the sponsoring departments.These departments must set aside at least 1% of the total project cost for security.This money is then used to hire the Special Security Unit (SSU) for protection.In the Bisham case, no such funds were allocated and no SSU contract was signed, which caused serious security lapses.Instead of addressing these failures, blame was shifted unfairly to DIG Muhammad Ijaz Khan.
Allegations of Nepotism
The situation became even more controversial after reports that then former IGP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, acted to protect his brother in law, RPO Malakand Muhammad Ali Gandapur.Critics allege that DIG Muhammad Ijaz Khan was unlawfully suspended only to save the IGP’s relative, even though the incident happened in Swat Division, not in Hazara.
Concerns from China
The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad also raised serious concerns.It said that turning the deaths of Chinese nationals into a political issue was deeply worrying and could damage trust between Pakistan and China.
Growing Public Outcry
Political leaders, Social Activists, and Civil Society Circles in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have strongly condemned the suspension.They demand the immediate reinstatement of DIG Muhammad Ijaz Khan, saying that keeping him suspended despite his proven innocence is an act of injustice and discrimination.They also warned that such actions could increase ethnic divisions and negative sentiments within the country.
Conclusion
The case of DIG Muhammad Ijaz Khan highlights deep problems in governance and accountability in Pakistan.Instead of fixing security failures and holding the right people responsible, an honest officer has been sidelined.The federal government is now under heavy pressure to review its decision, restore justice, and prevent further damage to both national unity and international relations.
