The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Saturday ordered the provincial police chief to prevent the appointment of Station House Officers (SHOs) with sketchy profiles or criminal records.

As per media reports, this directive came during a hearing concerning the enforced disappearance of a citizen and the absence of proper rules for SHO transfers and postings.

A division bench of SHC led by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar directed the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that SHO appointments are free from political or departmental interference.

The court warned that anyone involved in such practices would be barred from future postings as an SHO in any police station across Sindh.

The SHC stressed that SHOs must be appointed based on merit, selected from qualified inspectors or sub-inspectors, through a district or selection board.

The court was informed that Sindh Police Rules 2024, which include provisions for SHO transfers and postings, are currently being drafted and awaiting government approval for the final rules.

The court disposed of the petition, stating that the draft rules reflect the IGP’s intent to comply with the court’s directives.

The bench noted that while the draft rules await approval from the Sindh government, they should be implemented across all ranges, including Karachi.

Source: The News International