High court questions Islamabad police investigation standards

The Islamabad High Court recently criticized the standards of criminal investigations conducted by the Islamabad Police. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro raised concerns over the manner in which investigations were performed in four cases, including a murder case. He expressed displeasure at the investigations, warning of potential action if the situation did not improve.

The judge summoned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad to explain the poor investigative quality. According to the court, despite higher salaries offered to Islamabad Police investigators, the quality of their work did not seem to be improving. Justice Soomro noted that similarly paid investigation officers in Sindh Police were reportedly conducting better investigations.

Over the past one-and-a-half years, the court had not summoned any senior police officer over investigation issues, but felt compelled to do so this time due to the recurring problems. The judge warned that the situation had reached a tolerance level beyond which action would be taken. The court directed the SSP to inform the Inspector General of Police Islamabad about the concerns and ensure that future investigations were conducted properly, in accordance with the law.