116 police officials accused in Model Town case removed

LAHORE: The new Punjab police chief on Wednesday removed 116 police officials accused of being involved in the Model Town tragedy, Geo News reported.

Among those removed from their posts were a deputy superintendent, inspectors and other officers. The removed cops were directed to report to their respective headquarters.

Four superintendents accused in the case were removed from their posts earlier.

Prime Minister Imran Khan last month had ordered removal of police and district administration officials named in the Model Town case. The then-IGP Tahir Khan had reportedly failed to follow the government’s orders, and according to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesman Fawad Chaudhry, he had exhibited carelessness towards institutional matters.

Tahir Khan was replaced by Amjad Javed Saleemi as the Punjab IGP on October 15. The new chief, upon taking charge of the office, had promised police reforms.

At least 14 people were killed and 100 others injured in police action against Pakistan Awami Tehreek workers in Lahore's Model Town area during an alleged anti-encroachment operation on June 17, 2014.

The Punjab government, at the behest of the Lahore High Court, made the report of the Model Town incident public on December 5, 2017. The inquiry report said that police tried to cover up the facts regarding who gave orders to open fire on protesters.