Even the SP-level officers now cannot escape the fury of Lahore CCPO Umer Sheikh who ordered the arrest of CIA SP Asim Iftikhar after a verbal clash, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

According to details as divulged by sources, the CCPO had directed the SP to reach the Lahore Safe City immediately but he was late. This infuriated the City’s top cop who ordered the arrest of the officer.

When Iftikhar arrived for the meeting, the two exchanged harsh words as Sheikh accused the police officer of not taking into confidence over the arrest of Abid Malhi – the main accused in the motorway gang-rape case.

Later, the sources said Iftikhar reacted strongly to the arrest orders and left the meeting.

The Lahore police chief didn’t stop at his arrest as he said that all the perks and privileges enjoyed by SP Iftikhar should be withdrawn while a decision has also been taken about removing him from the slot.

Meanwhile, Sheikh summoned the Civil Lines SP and wrote a report about registering a first information report against his subordinate.

However, no action was taken after some officers intervened in the matter to calm down the situation.

On the other hand, City42 – the sister organisation of 24NewsHD TV channel – reported that the CCPO’s insulting tone made the SP warn him to stop abusing, otherwise he would punch him on the face. As a result, the Lahore police chief opted to hide behind his chair.

CCPO Lahore Umer Sheikh ran into trouble soon after his appointment as he in a TV interview had blamed the motorway rape victim for leaving the home late at night and selecting the route she took that night.

The CCPO noted that the affected family departed Defence area of Lahore after midnight and took the Motorway route instead of GT Road, that too without adequate fuel. “The woman called her brother instead of police and her brother telephoned the Motorway Police at 1:30am to send a police mobile,” the CCPO told the news channel.

The statement of the CCPO drew sharp criticism from various circles, particularly from opposition leaders, and demand for his resignation #RemoveCCPOLahore had become top trend on Twitter.

A declaration signed by over 50 officers of the Punjab police had demanded disciplinary action against Umer Sheikh and his immediate transfer for passing ‘insulting remarks’ against the outgoing provincial commander of the force, Shoaib Dastagir, and for ‘insubordination’.

When this was not enough CCPO Umer Sheikh had also failed to show up for a hearing by the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, leading to the committee’s displeasure. “Has the CCPO descended from the sky?” asked committee Chairman Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar after the CCPO did not show up for the meeting without giving any notice or reason. “Top officials are present here but the CCPO did not show up.” He called the police officer’s absence was “unacceptable”.