SAHIWAL: The regional office of the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) on Saturday arrested one of two policemen (brothers), who allegedly extorted millions from citizens in exchange for job placements within the Punjab police department.

Nabeel Anjum, a constable, and his brother Tariq Anjum, sub-inspector/traffic warden, were implicated in a corruption case involving Rs1.5 million, following a complaint from Noor Sultan.

A judicial magistrate granted physical remand for Nabeel until Sept 2, while Tariq managed his escape.

Reports said Noor Sultan, a local landlord from village 74/4-R, sought Tariq’s assistance to secure jobs for his three nephews - Amir Bashir, Jahan Zeb, and Kashif Khan - in the Punjab police. The brothers had claimed to have connections with influential figures, convincing Noor Sultan to pay Rs1.5m, of which Rs1m was given as an advance, with the remainder promised upon the nephews’ induction.

The payment was made as per promise at Tariq’s residence in Ajwa City, Sahiwal. However, when the promised jobs did not materialise, Noor Sultan exerted pressure for return of money. He took the matter to local Panchayat, which instructed the brothers to refund the money. In response, they provided a cheque that bounced on July 24, 2023 from a private bank.

Subsequently, Noor Sultan reported the matter to the ACE, which initiated an inquiry, leading to the registration of a case against the brother policemen on Dec 1, 2023.

The investigation revealed that the brothers had extorted significant sums from villagers under the pretense of providing jobs in the Punjab traffic police.

Noor Sultan expressed frustration over the eight-month delay in arrests, alleging that ACE officials had not arrested Tariq, citing health issues as a reason for inaction.

Noor Sultan while talking to Dawn said both brothers have taken millions of rupees from the people for the same kind of work.

RI: Anti-Terrorism Court Special Judge Ziaullah Khan awarded 12-year rigorous imprisonment and Rs400,000 fine to Khazer Hayat and Ali Nawaz Machee who shot Anwarul Haq during a case hearing on the premises of Depalpur tehsil court on Sept 15, 2021.

They critically injured landlord Anwar during the hearing upon which they were booked under sections 109, 148, 324 and 149 of Pakistan Penal Code along with three others. The court released the three others by giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2024