A major scandal has shaken Punjab Police in Bahawalpur after drugs were allegedly recovered from the private residence of Saddar Police Station SHO Dilbar Hussain. While police have registered two cases and launched raids for his arrest, a parallel social media campaign portrays him as a highly educated and honest officer. With conflicting narratives emerging, citizens are demanding a transparent, high-level investigation to uncover the truth.
WEBDESK – MediaBites – January 26, 202
Bahawalpur: A major and deeply troubling scandal has rocked the Punjab Police in Bahawalpur, raising serious questions about internal accountability and transparency. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Saddar Police Station in Ahmedpur Sharqia, Dilbar Hussain, has been booked in two criminal cases, while police teams continue raids to arrest him.
According to police sources, a raid on the SHO’s private residence allegedly led to the recovery of nearly two kilograms of crystal meth (ice) and 43 kilograms of hashish, turning the case into one of the most serious narcotics-related allegations involving a serving police officer in recent years.
If the allegations are proven, the case could rank among the largest drug scandals within the Punjab Police, triggering widespread concern across law enforcement and civil society.
However, the case has taken a dramatic turn on social media, where a strong campaign has emerged in support of Dilbar Hussain. Supporters describe him as a highly educated, professional and honest officer, pointing to his academic background. He holds a BS (Hons) in Mathematics from Sadiq Egerton College, an MPhil in Mathematics from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, and was reportedly pursuing a PhD in Mathematics.
Teachers, former classmates, friends and local residents have publicly defended him, claiming this was his first posting as an SHO and that he had previously built a reputation as an effective Investigation Officer. During his earlier service as a sub-inspector, he reportedly led major crackdowns against drug dealers and successfully recovered stolen vehicles traced to remote areas of Balochistan.
This stark contrast—between the serious narcotics recovery and the public portrayal of an upright officer—has turned the case into a subject of intense debate within journalistic circles and among the public. Questions are being raised about whether the case reflects a genuine criminal network, an internal power struggle, or possible retaliation.
Residents of Bahawalpur have now urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, and the District Police Officer of Bahawalpur to order a fair, transparent and high-level investigation to establish the truth.
The case has become more than a single arrest—it is emerging as a critical test of Punjab Police’s credibility, internal oversight and commitment to accountability, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching implications.
