63 refuse postings, but only 20 face the axe

Sindh Board of Revenue officials allege selective action to clear key posts for favoured officers

KARACHI:

Sixty-three officers said no to new postings. Yet, when the axe finally came down, it was aimed at only 20.

The selective move by the Sindh Board of Revenue (SBR) has triggered accusations of double standards, with affected sub-registrars alleging that rules are being selectively enforced to make room for favoured officers at key postings across Karachi and other major cities.

Of the 63 sub-registrars who reportedly declined new postings after promotion, the Board of Revenue has recommended suspension of only 20, according to official sources. The remaining 43 have escaped the proposed action, raising questions about why the same alleged violation has invited different consequences.

Senior Member Board of Revenue Khalid Haider Shah has sent a summary to the provincial chief minister recommending suspension of the 20 officers, sources said.

The move has drawn the ire of the affected officials, who claim that the action amounts to selective enforcement of rules. They argue that if refusing a new posting constituted grounds for disciplinary action, all 63 officers should have been treated alike.

According to sources, however, the rules do not compel an officer to accept a promotion. An official may decline a promotion under the applicable rules and cannot be forced to take it, they said.

The controversy has deepened amid allegations that the exercise is aimed at creating vacancies for newly promoted officers considered close to influential quarters. Sources alleged that several of the 43 officers spared from action have links with influential political figures, including serving and former provincial ministers.

These allegations could not be independently verified.

Sources further alleged that the proposed suspensions were intended to clear key posts in Karachi and other important cities for preferred officers, even before they complete the mandatory six-month training period.

The Board of Revenue has eight approved posts in the relevant cadre, but five are already occupied by officers serving as inspectors, sources said. This leaves only three vacancies to be filled, yet disciplinary action has been recommended against 20 officers, they added.

The affected sub-registrars have reportedly decided to challenge the orders in court, terming the move discriminatory and contrary to the rules.

The senior SBR member was contacted for his version, but no response was received till the filing of this report.