Punjab

Shuffle in govt ranks: Talk of Centre-Punjab tussle termed baseless

Misunderstanding results in undue demotion of competent services secretary

Aamir Rana January 12, 2015

Misunderstanding results in undue demotion of competent services secretary. PHOTO: INP

ISLAMABAD: The transfer of two chief secretaries in Punjab and demotion of secretary services Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani to OSD within 24 hours is all but a result of a misunderstanding. However, certain segments are propagating the matter as a tussle between the federation and provincial governments when there’s little disagreement and matters are being resolved amicably.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif promotes and demotes officers regularly given his fiery nature while the PM deals with such matters sagaciously.

According to sources, PM’s Secretary Javed Aslam called Mohiuddin Wani on January 6 and asked to intimate with Punjab government that the federal government wants to appoint cabinet secretary Babar Yaqoob as chief secretary. Wani called the acting chief secretary Mubashir Raza who gave his consent for the appointment which was implemented. However, when the CM found out about this development, he became infuriated and sought explanation.

At this, the acting chief secretary mistakenly said he only agreed to a proposal by the secretary services (when in reality it was from the federal government). From here began misunderstanding and subsequent events resulting in demotion of Wani, a competent person serving the office for six years and a half. To save itself of embarrassment, Javed Aslam nullified Yaqoob’s notification and promoted Khizar Hayat Gondal, secretary ports and shipping as chief secretary Punjab.

While Javed Aslam accompanies the PM as his secretary in all the promotions and demotions, additional secretary Fawad Hasan has no connection with such matters. Hasan opines on any matter vocally whenever his views are sought, worrying friends and foes.

According to sources, it is the aforementioned misunderstanding that some are using for mudslinging whereas the entire situation is now in the knowledge of the prime minister and chief minister.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2015.