Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has demoted a top Pakistani police official who used public funds to issue advertisements to congratulate him on his victory in the general election in May.
Zafar Abbas Lak, a Grade 21 officer, was downgraded to Grade 20 on the orders of the premier, TV news channels reported today.
Soon after assuming office in June, Sharif had removed Lak as head of the National Highways and Motorway Police for using about Rs 900,000 from the Road Safety, Reward and Welfare Fund to issue the advertisements.
The premier had also directed authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Lak for wasting public money. After the proceedings, it was decided that Lak should be demoted and the public funds spent on the advertisements deducted from his pension.
Sharif has barred ministries and government bodies from issuing such advertisements and warned that action would be taken against those who violate his directions.
