Tahir Maqsood Chheena
The career trajectory of Ahad Khan Cheema within the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) is a microcosm of the intricate dance between political influence and bureaucratic ambition in the country. His journey, marked by both commendable accomplishments and allegations of impropriety, serves as a compelling case study for understanding the dynamics that shape Pakistan’s political-administrative landscape.
Cheema’s rise through the ranks of the PAS is inextricably linked to his political affiliations. The Chief Minister (CM) and Prime Minister (PM) secretariats, often viewed as hotbeds for cultivating close ties between politicians and bureaucrats, played a significant role in Cheema’s career. His proximity to the then-Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, and his subsequent association with the current Prime Minister raise intriguing questions about the potential blurring of lines between political loyalty and professional duty.
A particularly telling example of this interplay is Cheema’s appointment as Secretary of the Higher Education Department in Punjab. This role is typically reserved for officers of Grade 21, making his appointment at Grade 18 a notable exception. This departure from standard procedure underscores the influence that political considerations can wield over bureaucratic appointments in Pakistan. Furthermore, his position as Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, a post often filled through political channels, further bolsters the perception of his career being closely tied to the Sharif family’s political fortunes.
However, Cheema’s record extends beyond political connections. During his tenure as Director General of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), he garnered a reputation as a “doer,” known for his efficiency in executing development projects. This highlights his administrative understanding and the potential for achieving positive outcomes through his leadership. Nonetheless, his close association with the Sharif family continues to cast a shadow, with accusations of favouritism and nepotism lingering around some of his decisions.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ‘s (2018) arrest of Cheema on corruption charges triggered a temporary strike by the bureaucracy. However, due to the prevailing power dynamics, the protest fizzled out. This episode underscores the vulnerability of civil servants to political machinations, even when faced with allegations of wrongdoing.
Following his release on bail and subsequent resignation from the civil service, Cheema’s appointment as Minister-in-Charge of the Establishment Division during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government reignited discussions about his political allegiance. This was further cemented by the PML-N’s nomination as a potential caretaker Chief Minister for Punjab in 2023. With the PML-N back in power as part of a coalition government, Cheema has once again been appointed as a Minister. This trajectory underscores the enduring influence he wields within party circles.
Cheema’s career is not without blemishes. The controversy surrounding the alleged waiver of fees for his sons at the prestigious Aitchison School in Lahore exemplifies the issue of elite capture within the Pakistani system. This incident highlights how those in positions of power can manipulate the system for personal gain, eroding public trust in the impartiality of the political system. This instance raises a critical question: to what extent do political considerations influence bureaucratic decision-making, and how does this interplay impact the system’s integrity?
Ahmed Khan Cheema’s career within the Pakistan Administrative Service presents a multifaceted narrative. While his achievements in administrative roles are commendable, the persistent allegations of political influence and personal gain cast a shadow on his legacy of political career. Ultimately, Cheema’s story serves as a microcosm of Pakistan’s complex relationship between politics and bureaucracy, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure a meritocratic and transparent civil service system.
The governance system is rotten. Politicians and bureaucracy have a nexus for personal interests. All players involved in the power pursue the philosophy of barter. It simply means to accommodate and get accommodated at the cost of rules, laws and values. The recent resignation of Michael A. Thompson, principal of Lahore’s prestigious Aitchison College, has thrown a spotlight on the fault lines between meritocratic governance and political interference in Pakistan’s educational institutions. Thompson’s departure, prompted by what he termed “unwarranted interference and brazen directives” from the Governor’s House, raises serious concerns about the erosion of institutional autonomy and the prevalence of nepotism.
At the heart of the controversy lies the Governor’s decision to waive tuition fees for the sons of Minister Ahad Cheema. This move, while seemingly innocuous on the surface, sparked outrage due to its perceived lack of transparency and adherence to established procedures. Thompson’s objection stemmed from the principle of fairness – why should a select few receive preferential treatment, potentially at the expense of other deserving students?
The Minister’s defence, claiming the Governor devised a “general policy” applicable to all, rings hollow. The timing and nature of the decision – following Thompson’s refusal to settle the matter quietly – suggest a more targeted intervention. This is further bolstered by reports of Thompson facing pressure in the past for upholding disciplinary actions and denying admission to an expelled student with political connections.
The Information Minister’s argument that Cheema’s children were not actively enrolled and hence not liable for fees is a technicality at best. The underlying issue is the Governor’s overreach in attempting to influence policy for personal gain. Even if the policy itself were legitimate, the Governor’s motivation in this specific instance undermines its credibility.
This incident exposes a deeper malaise within Pakistan’s education system. The spectre of nepotism and political influence distorts the admissions process, undermines meritocratic principles, and erodes public trust in institutions. Aitchison College, known for its rigorous academic standards, has become a battleground for political manoeuvring, jeopardizing its reputation for excellence.
Thompson’s resignation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions in Pakistan. Upholding merit and adhering to fair practices require strong leadership and unwavering commitment. The onus lies on the government to ensure that institutions like Aitchison College are shielded from political machinations and allowed to function autonomously. Only then can they fulfil their true purpose of nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of excellence.
Finally, Ahad Cheema’s administrative and political career is entirely one of falls and rises. However, one thing has surfaced: whether you are a politician or a civil servant, you are hardly driven by public interest.
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