Dual office: Home secretary continues work after dismissal

KARACHI:

Despite the federal government’s notification to dismiss home secretary Abdul Kabir Qazi, he continues to hold dual positions, looking after the home and local government departments in Sindh. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had ordered Qazi’s dismissal a couple of weeks ago following his involvement in Trade Development Authority of Pakistan corruption cases in which he allegedly embezzled around Rs1.2 billion. CM Qaim Ali Shah refused, however, to implement these orders. “We have not received these directives for Qazi’s dismissal so we cannot take action against him,” Shah told the media a few days ago.

The notification, available with The Express Tribune, was issued by establishment division’s joint secretary Mumtaz Ali Khan on February 23. “The government is pleased to impose major penalty of “dismal from service” upon Mr. Qazi on the ground of misconduct [sic].” Qazi was allowed right of appeal to the appellate authority within 30 days. “Since his termination, all orders issued by him are illegal,” claimed a senior home department officer. Qazi was, however, unavailable for comments. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2015.