KARACHI:
Pakistan used to have strong and proficient civil servants who performed their duties with honesty and integrity. One such officer was Zafar ul Ahsan who was the first Chairman of the Thal Development Authority. It was a difficult project and, in absence of prior set procedures, rules had to be relaxed in many cases to continue work under the newly formed authority. For example, to remove mounds of sand and level the land to create new districts, special approvals had to be given for the use of tractors and other heavy machinery, which was done rather promptly.
After the completion of the project, Zafar ul Ahsan was transferred to Karachi. Someone filed a complaint against him for the misuse of state machinery and the government at the time initiated an inquiry against the junior members who were involved. The issue was widely reported in the print media. However, Ahsan boldly came forward and took responsibility for the approvals. He contended that all the work was done under his leadership and with his consent so the government should hold him responsible instead of the junior staff. The government eventually withdrew the case and later Ahsan was also exonerated. There is a dearth of such officers today who take full responsibility for their actions and avoid scapegoating others.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2022.
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