The Centre and Punjab governments are embroiled in a heated disagreement over the release of two public officers, a situation that could potentially disrupt the smooth functioning of public services. The provincial government has made a request to the federal government, insisting on prior communication before any public officer is transferred.
The issue arose after the Establishment Division posted Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore, Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi, a Grade 20 officer, as Islamabad inspector general on March 29th. However, the federal capital is still without a police chief, even though nine days have passed since the appointment of the Islamabad IG. The former IG Police Akbar Nasir Khan, who was replaced on March 30th, had relinquished his duties, marking the start of the current situation.
Regrettably, Nasir Rizvi is yet to assume his duties, a delay caused by the Punjab government’s reluctance to relieve him. This has led to a situation where no DIG has been appointed as the interim Inspector General of Police (IGP), significantly affecting the smooth functioning of public services.
Sources have mentioned that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has refused to let go of Rizvi and has also prevented Communications and Works Department Secretary Suhail Ashraf from reporting to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The Punjab government’s stance is based on the argument that important projects are underway, and the C&W secretary cannot be transferred immediately, providing insight into their perspective.
The Punjab government has explained that important projects are underway, and the C&W secretary cannot be transferred immediately. The sources have further mentioned that the matter of transferring officers would be resolved in consultation with the federation after Eid-ul-Fitr.
The ongoing dispute between the Centre and the Punjab government has not only highlighted the issue of officer transfers but also raised serious concerns about security management in Islamabad. With the absence of a police chief, the federal capital is at risk of potential security issues, posing a threat to the peace and stability of the region. The resolution of this issue is crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of public services and the safety of the capital.
It has been the primary contention between federal and provincial governments for many decades now. However, provincial governments are still relying on federal officers despite being empowered to raise their executive and police services.
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