Sindh police chief IGP Javed Alam Odho has taken action on complaints of security lapses, negligence in duties, mismanagement, and financial and physical losses in connection with Sunday’s US Consulate incident.
After an investigation, Keamari police chief SSP Amjad Shaikh was recommended to be suspended. The Keamari SDPO; the Docks, SITE-B, KPT and Jackson SHOs; and the Foreign Security Cell incharge were also suspended after being found negligent in performing their duties, with departmental enquiries initiated against them.
A high-level committee has been formed for conducting a transparent investigation into the incident. The six-member committee headed by the Counter Terrorism Department chief has been directed to submit a detailed report within seven days.
A day after a troubling security lapse shook the city, the atmosphere at the Central Police Office on Monday evening was tense as a high-level meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. Senior police officials, including the Sindh inspector general of police, gathered to review what went wrong and chart a clear path forward.
Officials said IGP Javed Alam Odho gave a briefing on the previous day’s incident, outlining the sequence of events and identifying gaps in response and coordination. The home minister made his position clear. He described the lapse as serious and unacceptable, emphasizing that accountability would not be delayed.
He reminded the participants that both he and the chief minister had already ordered the removal of certain officers from their posts in light of the incident. If further inquiry reveals additional incompetence, he said, more removals would follow. He directed the Counter Terrorism Department to conduct a thorough review and submit findings without delay.
Reiterating that the Sindh police are a professional force, the home minister stressed that it must function as one at all times. Standard operating procedures relevant to the current security environment are to be implemented strictly, without exception. He warned that field officers would be held directly responsible for any future accident or incident resulting from negligence.
While he expressed disappointment over the lapse, he also acknowledged acts of courage. He congratulated DIG West Irfan Baloch for his bravery during the difficult situation, praising officers who stood firm under pressure.
Operational directives followed. The Special Security Unit was instructed to take the lead in enhanced security measures. Rapid Response Force personnel are to remain fully mobilized, with deployments carried out strictly in line with approved SOPs. The K-9 unit is to be activated immediately, and recommendations regarding additional resources are to be submitted at the earliest.
Security at sensitive and important installations across Karachi will be tightened further. From today onward, SSPs are expected to be visibly present in operational and traffic management areas. The home minister concluded with a clear warning; failure to comply will result in strict disciplinary action.
