LHC Chief Justice Summons Punjab IG in Contempt Case Over Alleged Police Violation of Court Order
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has summoned Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Kareem to appear in person in a contempt of court case involving personnel of Lahore’s Chung police.
The proceedings stem from allegations that police registered a criminal case despite an earlier Lahore High Court order suspending a sessions court direction for registration of an FIR.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the chief justice also expressed concern over the legibility of the FIR presented before the court and directed the Punjab police chief to appear with the relevant record.
IG Rao Abdul Kareem has been summoned for Thursday.
What Is the Contempt Case About?
The contempt petition was filed by Mian Muhammad Jamil against personnel of Chung police in Lahore.
According to the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Shahbaz Bhatti, a sessions court had issued an order in 2021 directing registration of an FIR against his client.
However, an LHC single bench subsequently suspended that order.
The petitioner’s counsel alleged before the court that despite the suspension, police later registered a case against Jamil.
The allegation that police acted in violation of the court order is now before the LHC and should not be treated as a final judicial finding unless and until the court determines the matter.
Chief Justice Questions Police Officer About FIR
Superintendent of Police Abdullah appeared before the court on behalf of Chung police.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Neelum asked the SP to read the FIR aloud.
According to Dawn’s account of the hearing, the officer was unable to properly read or explain portions of the document.
The chief justice then questioned why the FIR was difficult to read and expressed concern about the quality and legibility of police documentation.
She subsequently ordered the Punjab IG to appear before the court along with the relevant case record.
Punjab IG Summoned for Thursday
Punjab Police chief Rao Abdul Kareem has been ordered to personally appear before the Lahore High Court on Thursday.
The court’s decision to summon the province’s top police officer brings the matter beyond the individual police station involved in the petition.
However, a summons should not be interpreted as a finding that the IG or other officials have committed contempt. It requires the relevant officials to appear before the court as proceedings continue.
IG Also Summoned in Separate Contempt Case
The Punjab police chief was also summoned for Thursday in a separate contempt of court matter involving the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO).
That case was filed by citizen Momin Khan, who alleged that police continued to harass him despite previous court directions.
According to the petitioner’s counsel, an earlier complaint concerning alleged police harassment had been referred to the CCPO for redressal.
The petitioner alleges that the harassment nevertheless continued.
During proceedings, the chief justice rejected an inquiry report submitted in connection with the matter and summoned the IG.
Again, these remain allegations being examined by the court rather than established findings against the police officials involved.
Who Is Punjab IG Rao Abdul Kareem?
Rao Abdul Kareem took charge as Inspector General of Police Punjab in February 2026, replacing Dr Usman Anwar, who was appointed director general of the Federal Investigation Agency.
Before becoming Punjab’s police chief, Kareem served as Additional IG Special Branch Punjab.
His previous appointments include:
- Additional IG Punjab Highway Patrol
- Commandant Punjab Constabulary
- DIG Traffic Punjab
- Regional Police Officer Gujranwala
- DIG Telecommunication
- District Police Officer in several Punjab districts
Punjab Police said when he assumed office that accountability, public protection, law enforcement and modern technology-based policing would be among his priorities.
What Is Contempt of Court?
Contempt proceedings generally concern conduct alleged to have interfered with the authority of a court or compliance with its orders.
In a case involving an alleged failure to follow a judicial direction, the court can examine what order was issued, whether the officials concerned were aware of it and whether their subsequent actions complied with that order.
A contempt petition itself does not establish guilt.
The court hears the parties, examines the relevant record and determines whether its previous directions were actually violated and whether any violation meets the applicable legal requirements for contempt.
That distinction is particularly important in reporting ongoing judicial proceedings.
Why the Case Matters
The case raises broader questions about the implementation of judicial orders by law-enforcement agencies.
Police regularly act on directions from magistrates, sessions courts and high courts. When one judicial order is subsequently suspended, modified or overturned by another court, accurate communication and record-keeping become important to ensure that police action reflects the latest applicable order.
The proceedings also drew attention to another practical issue: the quality of police records.
The chief justice’s comments about the difficulty of reading the FIR highlight the importance of maintaining clear and accessible official documentation, particularly because FIRs can become central documents in criminal proceedings.
What Happens Next?
Punjab IG Rao Abdul Kareem has been directed to appear personally before the Lahore High Court on Thursday with the relevant record.
The court is expected to continue examining whether Chung police acted contrary to the earlier LHC order and what circumstances led to registration of the FIR.
The separate contempt petition concerning allegations of continued police harassment is also expected to proceed.
Until the court completes its examination, the allegations against the police should be treated as claims made by the petitioners rather than final judicial conclusions.