In a proactive move aimed at ensuring impartiality in the upcoming general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has tasked the Interior and Establishment Secretaries to call back the remaining officers serving in the provinces for over three years within the span of three days, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
The ECP had previously issued directives to recall officers ranging from grades 17 to 22, serving in the provinces for over three years, and hailing from various cadres including the Secretariat Group, OMG, and ex-cadre officers, with the exception of the Police and Pakistan Administrative Service, to promptly report back to the federation.
On Monday, both the secretaries briefed the ECP Chairman shedding light on the progress made in implementing these directives.
During the meeting, it was revealed that 14 officers, belonging to the Secretariat, Occupational Management Group (OMG), and other occupational groups, have been transferred from Sindh, where their tenures exceeded the three-year mark. Additionally, ten officers from the province of Punjab have undergone similar transfers.
Interestingly, in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, no officers were found to have surpassed the three-year tenure threshold.
The Secretary Establishment informed the attendees that some members had been either replaced or repatriated as part of these efforts.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior has initiated the process of transferring the remaining members, including those in the Environment, Administration, and Planning sectors, in line with the Election Commission's directives.
During the meeting, both secretaries were tasked with the responsibility of completing all officer transfers within the span of three days and subsequently submitting a compliance report.
This directive also applied to members of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), both appointed from external sources and regular CDA employees.
Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk