PIO removed for failing to improve govt's image in public: sources

Zahoor Barlas given charge inplace of Tahir Khushnood, insiders say

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has removed Principal Information Officer (PIO) Tahir Khushnood over his 'failure' to improve the government's image in public, Express has learnt.

Sources said that following a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence, PM's Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan expressed dissatisfaction over Khushnood's performance, maintaining that the information department had failed to perform its role effectively.

Subsequently, the sources added, a summary was forwarded to the prime minister to appoint Zahoor Barlas inplace of Khushnood.

Barlas, a Grade 21 officer, is currently serving as DG Information Service Academy.

It was mentioned in the summary that both the officers are of same cadre and of equal grade.

Barlas was appointed in the academy on June 10 whereas Khushnood joined on May 25 and is retiring on December 25.