Probe finds civilians handling revenue tasks

IHC orders inquiry into patwar circles in the federal capital

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered an inquiry into patwar circles in the federal capital and directed that a report be submitted.

Patwari Muhammad Abbas, in charge of four patwar circles, admitted to engaging private individuals to perform official duties.

According to a report presented before the court, the inquiry officer, the assistant commissioner, recommended a "major penalty" against Abbas for violating departmental procedures and rules.

The officer found him guilty of breaching regulations by involving private persons in sensitive revenue tasks without official approval.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, during the hearing of a case regarding recruitment to vacant posts in patwar offices, remarked that government officers must be appointed in patwar circles to serve the public, noting that citizens were being forced to pay bribes to private individuals working in these offices.

The deputy commissioner of Islamabad sought time to submit a proposed recruitment procedure, while advocate general Islamabad also requested additional time regarding appointments.

The court observed that no one is indispensable for any position, pointing out that Pakistan has a population of 250 million and people retire, pass away, or are dismissed.

The report revealed that Islamabad has 45 patwar circles but only nine patwaris. Abbas was responsible for four circles at once and, citing operational constraints, hired three experienced individuals, including Adnan, Taifoor, and Rizwan, to carry out official revenue work.

The report stated this practice posed risks to sensitive processes and violated the principle that duties must be performed only by authorised government officers. While it may have been intended to facilitate the public, the inquiry officer warned it could be misused in the future.

During the hearing, the assistant commissioner Industrial Area, appointed to investigate the matter, appeared in court. When Justice Kayani asked if he had seen the state counsel's submitted report, he replied in the negative.

The judge remarked that the entire revenue department was involved and noted the absence of local government in Islamabad.

Advocate General Ayaz Shoukat said two court rulings existed regarding quota-based appointments, with rules and judicial decisions differing.

He added that changes to the rules or a constitutional amendment might be needed. Justice Kayani responded that the 27th Amendment could address this, but warned that unqualified individuals were currently performing official tasks. The advocate general argued that without patwaris, work would come to a standstill, but the court reiterated that no position was irreplaceable.

The hearing was adjourned until September 17.