The long-standing dispute between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) regarding political influence over appointments in Punjab’s bureaucracy has been successfully resolved. This breakthrough comes after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz firmly upheld her policy of merit-based selections, putting an end to tensions that had previously strained relations between the two major political parties.
The issue, which had been a point of contention for some time, was notably absent from discussions during a recent high-level meeting between PML-N and PPP officials in Lahore. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that the meeting took place in a positive and constructive environment, with both parties now in agreement on the chief minister’s approach to bureaucratic appointments. She assured that appointments in the provincial bureaucracy are no longer a source of friction between the PML-N and PPP MPs.
When Maryam Nawaz first took office, she made it clear that all civil bureaucracy appointments—including those in administration and law enforcement—would be based solely on merit. This decision rejected any form of political interference, including pressure from within her own party. While there was initial skepticism about whether she could withstand political pressure, Maryam has remained resolute in her commitment to depoliticizing key appointments.
Previously, PPP leaders in Punjab had demanded influence over administrative and police appointments in areas where they had won elections. However, Maryam Nawaz stood her ground, insisting that not even PML-N members of the national and provincial assemblies (MNAs and MPAs) would be allowed to interfere in civil service appointments.
Initially, this policy caused unease within both the PML-N and PPP, but it has since been accepted as a necessary and reformative step. The provincial government has reassured PPP leaders that while they will not have a say in political appointments, the selection process will remain transparent and fair, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are chosen for key positions.
Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman confirmed last year that bureaucratic appointments in the province are now completely depoliticized. He stated that no political pressure, even from PML-N leadership, influences transfers and postings. The Chief Minister personally conducts interviews and selects officers for important roles, with the Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD) providing a panel of three candidates for each position. Maryam Nawaz chooses the candidate based on their qualifications, past performance, and the interview process. According to Zaman, officers who attempt to use political connections for appointments are immediately flagged and removed from consideration.
