- Constable Afzal Ahmed has been arrested and a case registered at Ramna Police Station.
- He is accused of taking a bribe on duty to help a female beggar escape police custody.
- SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza promised exemplary punishment under the law.
- Islamabad Police say they follow a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
Islamabad Police have arrested one of their own constables for allegedly accepting a bribe while on duty. The officer is accused of helping a female beggar escape from police custody.
A case has been registered at Ramna Police Station against Constable Afzal Ahmed, police said on Friday.
Police officials involved in corruption deserve no leniency; along with departmental action, legal proceedings will also be initiated against such personnel.
Qazi Ali Raza, SSP Operations, Islamabad Police
What police say happened
According to police, Constable Afzal Ahmed took a bribe during his duty to facilitate the escape of a female beggar from police custody. The case has been filed and the constable is now under arrest.
The accusation has not been tested in court, and no further details of the incident were given. These include the amount of the alleged bribe, the identity of the woman and the circumstances of her detention.
Senior officer promises exemplary punishment
SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza said the constable would be given exemplary punishment in accordance with the law.
In his words, along with departmental action, legal proceedings would also be initiated against such personnel.
A zero-tolerance message
The SSP said no official is above the law and that action against those involved in corruption will be taken without discrimination. He described the stance of Islamabad Police as one of zero tolerance towards corruption.
He added that there is no place in the force for officials who bring disrepute to the department, and that its accountability process will continue indiscriminately.
What it means
The arrest of a serving constable on a bribery allegation, with a case registered at a police station, shows legal action is being taken alongside departmental action. The senior officer's statement points to both tracks running side by side.
Whether the constable is convicted will depend on the legal process that now begins.
Legal proceedings are to be initiated against the constable alongside departmental action, according to the SSP Operations. No dates for any hearing or inquiry outcome have been announced.
Questions and answers
Who has been arrested?
Constable Afzal Ahmed of Islamabad Police has been arrested, and a case has been registered against him at Ramna Police Station.
What is the constable accused of?
Police say he took a bribe while on duty to facilitate the escape of a female beggar from police custody.
What action has the police leadership promised?
SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza said the constable will receive exemplary punishment under the law, with both departmental action and legal proceedings.
Image: HuangWending18072009 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
