‘Inquiry cleared SP Adeel Akbar, but delayed promotion took mental toll’

ISLAMABAD: An earlier inquiry into allegations against Islamabad Police Superintendent (SP) late Adeel Akbar had found him innocent, clearing him of all charges levelled against him by the Balochistan government.

According to official documents available with HUM News English, the Cabinet Division had completed the inquiry against SP Adeel Akbar under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.

The Establishment Division had issued a formal notification on April 10, 2025, acquitting the late police officer of the allegations levelled by the Balochistan government.

The inquiry concluded that none of the accusations against SP Akbar could be substantiated.

Sources said Adeel Akbar’s promotion had been put on hold during the course of the inquiry, which caused him significant mental stress.

Adeel Akbar, who served as the SP in the Industrial Area, shot himself while on duty near the Serena checkpoint on October 23.

The police officer sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the PIMS Hospital by fellow personnel, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

Later, Islamabad Police completed their inquiry into the death of Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar, with findings suggesting that the officer took his own life after suffering from prolonged psychological distress and career-related frustration.

According to official sources and inquiry findings, investigators recorded statements from SP Adeel’s driver, operator, psychiatrist, and family members before finalising the report. The psychiatrist, Dr Hafiz Sultan Muhammad, who had been treating him, told the committee that Adeel had been battling deep-rooted mental stress for some time, a condition that does not necessarily require a sudden trigger but often stems from unresolved emotional pressure.

Dr Hafiz said that during their last session on October 8, Adeel appeared calm and insisted that he was content at work, yet privately admitted feeling disheartened over repeated promotion delays. The doctor disclosed that Adeel had earlier expressed suicidal thoughts and was advised to stay away from weapons and sharp objects.