ISLAMABAD, May 24: In an interesting move, the interior ministry not only created a post of Inspector General (IG) Prison for the federal capital but also appointed Dr Mujeebur Rehman, a police DIG, for the slot despite the fact that there is neither any prison nor logistic support available to justify the appointment, Dawn has learnt reliably.

Officers in interior ministry and establishment division when contacted for their comments over the issue said on condition of anonymity: “Before creating a new department and post, the parent department sends the draft to establishment division to get permission of financial assistance from Finance Division.

“But, in the creation of Islamabad Prison and the post of the IG, rules were not followed.”

Likewise, the establishment division was the single authority for the transfer and posting of Grade-20 officers. In this case, the interior ministry should have surrendered the services of the DIG to the establishment division and got order issued from it for his appointment as IG Prison,” they added.

According to an office order issued last week by the interior ministry, DIG Rehman was asked to immediately vacate the office of the DIG Security Wing Islamabad and join his new office as the IG of city prison.

The three-point office order further stated that he would get salary from the post of Director-General Nacta (National Counter-Terrorism Authority) which was lying vacant. Besides, it stated, he would use an office set up in the Chief Commissioner Complex.

However, DIG Rehman was still working at the post of DIG Security, as notification from establishment division in this regard was awaited.

A city administration officer said: “We are already facing shortage of space so the office for the IG Prison is yet to be set up.”

However, a room for the office would be arranged if the interior ministry pursued the matter, he added.

The sources in interior ministry said in early stages officials from other prison police of provinces would work on deputation in the capital prison. In this regard, a summary has also been prepared to demand the officials which will soon be submitted to the authorities concerned.

In April this year, Chief Commission of Islamabad in response of interior minister’s order issued on March 31, notified the under-construction building of Tarnol police station on Grand Trunk (GT) Road as Capital Prison on temporary basis till the construction of proper prison in Sector H-16.

Earlier, a land was selected in Sector H-17, in the village Malot for the construction of the jail. However, the city administration after conducting an inquiry found the land disputed and cancelled the selection of the land.