PA orders removal of mines secretary over performance issues

Lawmakers press for control over bureaucratic evaluations

FAISALABAD:

The Punjab Assembly (PA) has ordered the removal of Mines and Minerals secretary following complaints regarding his conduct and inadequate performance.

PA Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan instructed Punjab's Chief Secretary to relieve the official of his duties and referred the matter to a judicial committee, demanding a detailed report from the Committee on Privilege within four days.

The decision follows significant discontent from treasury members, including Mines and Minerals Minister Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, who raised concerns about the secretary's conduct.

In response, treasury benches proposed a rule change granting lawmakers the authority to write Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) on bureaucrats, with the aim of ensuring accountability and maintaining respect for lawmakers.

During the session, Speaker Khan was taken aback by Minister Gorchani's admission of pervasive corruption within the Mines and Minerals Department.

Minister Gorchani highlighted the challenges posed by an entrenched "mafia" within the department and acknowledged that corruption had become habitual among certain bureaucrats.

"Sand worth Rs10,000 is sold at Rs50,000. Such exploitation cannot be tolerated," Speaker Khan said, emphasising the need for change. Minister Gorchani echoed this concern, suggesting that allowing lawmakers to influence bureaucratic evaluations through ACRs could help curb malpractice.

Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar proposed forming a committee, headed by Minister Gorchani, to address the issues and hold those responsible accountable.

Another opposition member, Ijaz Shafi, voiced dismay at the minister's apparent powerlessness within his own department, calling it a disrespect to the Assembly.

Further, PML-N MPA Amjad Ali Javed began to exit the House in protest over bureaucratic misconduct but was persuaded to stay by Speaker Khan, who assured him of action. Additional grievances were raised, including by MPA Syed Madad Ali Shah, who criticised the conduct of Secretary Health Nadia Saqib.

In an unusual moment, Samiullah Khan, Chairman of the Committee on Privilege, described the Secretary of Mines and Minerals as "unfit for his position," citing his unprofessional conduct and adding that the committee had recommended his removal.