LAHORE: Following an ugly incident involving alleged misconduct by the Punjab police at the Doctors' Hospital, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi transferred the head of Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) DIG Malik Liaquat, making him an officer on special duty (OSD).
As per independent sources, the CIA police, led by DIG Liaquat, conducted an unauthorised raid on the private Doctors' Hospital, mistreating journalists and medical personnel, including duty doctors, paramedics, and patients, virtually holding them hostage.
Under the supervision of the DIG, the police not only physically abused reporters, but also confiscated their cameras and mobile phones. The situation escalated as the police seized the hospital's CCTV camera DVR, causing panic among medical staff and disrupting ongoing treatments.
Taking notice of the episode, the caretaker CM promptly removed DIG Liaquat from his position and ordered the registration of a case against those involved in the vandalism and mistreatment of journalists.
Condemnation of the police actions poured in from various quarters, including journalists, lawyers' organizations, and civil society, who decried the unjustified police assault. Calls for action were directed at Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman, who arrived at the hospital to address concerns.
IGP Dr Usman assured journalists that those responsible for the assault on media personnel would face exemplary punishment, emphasising the importance of accountability in maintaining public trust.
According to reports, the DIG got annoyed at alleged delay in treatment of his father and “exorbitant” charges for tests and other services.
The CM also ordered a departmental inquiry to identify the individuals responsible for the reported assault on doctors and journalists covering the incident.
The IGP informed the media that the hospital administration had filed a written complaint against the CIA officers and the local police, and the department was investigating the matter.