In a move that has raised eyebrows, Salman Chaudhry, a grade 21 officer and Inspector General (IG) of the National Highways & Motorways Police (NH&MP), has been abruptly removed from his post and designated as an “officer on special duty” (OSD). The term OSD is often seen as a bureaucratic euphemism for sidelining officials.
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Sources suggest that Mr. Chaudhry’s removal stems from his opposition to powerful federal ministers over key administrative and recruitment issues. He reportedly resisted a proposal to shift the NH&MP’s administrative control from the Ministry of Communications to the Ministry of Interior.
The proposal, backed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. While many expected no dissent, Mr. Chaudhry stood firm, arguing that NH&MP had achieved its reputation under the Ministry of Communications and shifting control could jeopardize its operational integrity. Khawaja Asif reportedly supported his stance.
Adding to the tensions, Mr. Chaudhry had earlier clashed with Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan over recruitment policies within the NH&MP. Despite surviving two prior attempts to transfer him, this third effort proved decisive.
Mr. Chaudhry, known for his integrity and extensive experience across all four provinces, assumed his NH&MP role in January 2024. Sources indicate that he was initially assured of serving a full year but was instead unceremoniously removed, with no new assignment provided.
Requests for comments from Ministers Naqvi and Khan remain unanswered. This abrupt removal highlights the challenging dynamics within Pakistan’s bureaucracy, where standing up to political influence can come at a steep cost.
