Popularity ploy?: G-B CM does not ‘like’ Facebook updates

Asks officials to refrain from using the social networking site during office hours.

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister Mehdi Shah has directed officials to refrain from using Facebook during office hours.

A press release issued from the CM Secretariat on Monday night maintained government officials waste time on their laptops using facebook. “Irresponsible attitudes will not be tolerated anymore,” it added.

Many say the note indirectly refers to G-B Chief Secretary Sajad Hottiana, who after acquiring the position of chief secretary started updating his status vigorously. The posts were meant to inform his national and international fans of his efforts.

“Please help me,” reads one of Hottiana’s recent wall posts, “A lot of influential persons and their cronies are vary (sic) of my Facebook presence. I thought I might help people and be more accessible. To be honest, it puts tremendous challenges and increases my job manifold. Am I ahead of the time and G-B not ready for it yet? Should I quit and make life easy for myself?”

In an earlier post Hottiana said: “I love my people and I want to be available to them every time.”



As his network on social media continued to expand, he was approached by many who brought issues to his knowledge.

Upon a request from a German woman, Hottiana ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal construction at the base camp of Nanga Parbat by a foreigner. Similarly, he went for inspection of the water supply system on the hills of Gilgit and Hunza after being told by another informant on his page that the towns are suffering from dire scarcity of water.

But while his posts may not be ‘liked’ by his peers, Hottiana’s fans expressed support, praising him on the steps he has taken.

“Quitting is not an option sir. The criticism is far lesser than the amount of appreciation being showered on you,” commented Noor Pamiri under one of Hottiana’s post.

Some also criticised the chief minister, claiming Mehdi and other politicians are not educated enough to use these facilities and are thus jealous of Hottiana. “The proactive approach and the rising popularity of Hottiana make the politicians envious,” claimed a lawmaker requesting anonymity.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2013.