ISLAMABAD; The senior superintendent of Islamabad Traffic Police, who was also holding additional charge as SSP Security, was removed from both posts over poor supervision after President Asif Ali Zardari’s motorcade strayed off the designated VVIP route in the federal capital.
According to police officials, retired Capt. Syed Zeeshan Haider, a grade-18 officer, exposed the president and his convoy to a “serious security risk” during Thursday evening’s movement. President Zardari, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and others, was en route from the Presidency to Bahria Town when the convoy mistakenly continued straight on the Expressway after crossing Koral Chowk, instead of taking the designated turn.
The misstep took the motorcade beyond the security cordon and official VVIP route, leaving it stuck in traffic for over half an hour. The incident prompted alarm within security agencies and drew sharp concern from the interior minister.
Following the lapse, Mr. Haider was removed from his posts and directed to report to the Central Police Office in Islamabad until further orders. Retired Squadron Leader Abdul Haque, a grade-19 officer, was assigned additional charge as SSP Security, while Pari Gul Tareen, a grade-18 officer, was given the additional charge of SSP Traffic Police.
