PA to look into federal officials' accountability

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has referred a question regarding the appointment, accountability, and oversight of federal employees, including the chief secretary, to the standing committee.

In a written document submitted by the government in the K-P Assembly, it was stated that the current process for appointing the Chief Secretary is based on the Civil Service of Pakistan Rules of 1954 and the agreement reached during a meeting between the federal and provincial governments on September 19, 1993.

According to this agreement, appointments are made with consultation between the federal and provincial governments. Furthermore, the appointment of federal employees in the province follows a fixed ratio as per PMS Schedule Three.

The written response stated that the accountability and oversight of federal officers fall under the Discipline Rules of 2020. "The provincial government conducts inquiries into employees appointed in the province and sends a charge sheet to the Establishment Division, recommending disciplinary action<" it read. "The Establishment Division then takes disciplinary action against the officer based on the provincial government's recommendations."

During proceedings, PPP's Ahmad Kundi moved the matter of the chief secretary's appointment and those of federal employees to the assembly's standing committee, arguing that the government repeatedly expresses its helplessness.

Therefore, he suggested sending the matter to the standing committee to empower the chief minister. Law Minister Aftab Alam supported the referral of the question to the standing committee, and forwarded the question to the committee.

Meanwhile, the K-P Assembly referred a attention notices on the security of foreign investors and the removal of the Charkhel Hydropower Project from the Annual Development Program (ADP) to the relevant committee.

During the assembly session, Ahmad Kundi stated that there are over a hundred warehouses in Peshawar holding various types of minerals. He said businesspeople buy goods from leaseholders and transfer them to these warehouses for sale to foreign investors.

"When foreign investors come here, instead of providing them security, the provincial government harasses them."

In response, Provincial Minister Abdul Karim stated that measures are taken to provide security to foreigners and a complete plan is given. "Security measures are taken based on recommendations or information available to the provincial government, but the province also has reservations regarding this matter, so it should be referred to the relevant committee."

The deputy speaker then referred the attention notice to the committee and requested a report within a month.