SHO demoted, suspended for 'assaulting' lawyer in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar

In Karachi, a station house officer (SHO) was suspended and demoted following an altercation with a senior lawyer, Qadir Rajpar, which led to a prolonged clash between law enforcement officials and a group of lawyers at the Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police Station. The incident began when Rajpar, a Sindh High Court member, arrived at the station with a court order for the release of a vehicle. Rajpar alleged that the SHO and other staff members misbehaved with him and refused to comply with the court order. 

This altercation escalated, resulting in a large gathering of lawyers outside the police station, who blocked the road in protest. A scuffle ensued between the lawyers and the policemen, with both sides claiming injuries. The police accused the lawyers of attempting to forcefully enter the station and attacking the gate. 

Rajpar, speaking to the media, claimed that he was tortured by the SHO, resulting in a broken finger and a head injury. The police, on the other hand, stated that a plain-clothed individual entered the SHO's side room, verbally abused the staff, and threatened to bring more people to the station. 

Following the incident, negotiations were held between senior police officials, including the senior superintendent of police (SSP) East and superintendent of police (SP) Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and representatives from the Karachi Bar Association. The outcome of these negotiations was the suspension and demotion of the SHO, and a case was filed against him and the involved staff. The case includes serious charges such as terrorism, attempted murder, and torture. 

The lawyers continued their protest until they received a copy of the first information report (FIR). Additionally, over 15 policemen have been named in the case as a result of the incident.