Grade-17 deputationist calling the shots in HED

Author: Samiullah Randhawa

A junior officer is overshadowing all administrative affairs in the Punjab Higher Education Department, Daily Times has learnt.

Ishtiaq Ahmad, a grade 17 lecturer, is serving as the personal staff officer (PSO) to the HED minister. “Earlier, he was posted at Government College Pattoki. However, he managed to get deputation in the Punjab HED eight years ago. He now influences all important matters such as appointments on administrative posts in public-sector universities and colleges,” sources said.

“The officer has been violating regulations. He also creates hurdles in the affairs of senior professors and principals of colleges and universities of the province. He delays the files and documents of senior professors who disobey his illegal orders. Public sector universities and colleges have complained to the officials against Ahmed and expressed reservations over his conduct. However, no action has been taken against him so far,” sources said.

“Ahmad has been participating in syndicate meetings of universities even though participation of any outsider in syndicate meetings is illegal.”

Requesting anonymity, an HED official said that there were score of complaints against Ahmad. “He is an influential person. So no action can be taken action against him without the permission of the minister. Ahmed is misusing his authority as he is serving the department for the past many years on deputation. He has developed strong political links,” he said.

Sources said that Ahmed was being propped up by Punjab Governor’s Political Secretary Mian Kashif Iqbal. “He also has the backing of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid leader Imran Masood,” sources said.

When contacted, HED Minister Hamayun Yasir rejected the claims. In a message to Daily Times, which was delivered by his public relations officer, the minister said that action would be taken against Ahmad if strong evidence was available against him.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Technology

Digital Innovation: Transforming Pakistan’s Trade Infrastructure

  Pakistan's logistics industry stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with significant challenges that impede…

5 hours ago
  • Top Stories

EU expresses concern over military court sentences against May 9 rioters

The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over the sentencing of 25 individuals involved in…

5 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Ahsan Kamray Elected President of Lahore Garrison University Alumni Association

Lahore Garrison University (LGU) celebrated a milestone event as its Department of Mass Communication organized…

5 hours ago
  • Fashion

Neo Hum Bridal Couture Week 2024: Grand Finale Celebrates Fashion and Social Change

Lahore, Pakistan – December 22, 2024 – The highly anticipated finale of Neo Hum Bridal…

5 hours ago
  • Top Stories

US lifts $10 million bounty on new Syrian leader after talks in Damascus

The United States has removed a $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of…

5 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Accountability Court postpones verdict in £190 million case

An accountability court hearing the £190 million case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan…

5 hours ago