Iftikhar Shilwani strikes a “horn” with the Federal Minister over the appointment of juniors over seniors.
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Housing and Works recently saw a big reorganisation within the Public Works Department (PWD) North Zone, prompting fears about future increased political meddling. The increased political influence is considered to be a major factor for the resignation of former federal secretary of housing and works, Iftikhar Shilwani. Iftikhar Shilwani, a close confidant of the federal minister, gained fury for violating directives for political transfers/postings. According to reports and public announcements, the majority of junior officers have been assigned to senior positions.
The Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Maulana Abdul Wasy, directed the reshuffling of important roles, including the Chief Engineer. Stakeholders are concerned about political involvement and its potential impact on the department’s functionality and ongoing corruption investigations as a result of this unexpected change.
Anwar-ul-Haq Duggar, the Chief Engineer of the North Zone, was replaced and appointed as the Director General of the Ministry’s Policy and Planning Wing. Pervez Khan, Superintendent Engineer from the Peshawar Circle, has been appointed Chief Engineer of the North Zone.
Furthermore, Assistant Engineer Shahid Sattar from the PWD Division BatKhaila has been replaced by Peshawar Circle Executive Engineer Qasim Rashid Khan. Sattar has been asked to immediately report to the Director General of Pakistan PWD. Furthermore, Assistant Executive Engineer Rashed Hussain from the Sargodha Circle has been replaced by Naveed Abbas from the Gujranwala Circle, who will take on an additional task. Shahid Hussain from Islamabad’s Central Sool Circle will take over as Rashed Kodegi Office in Islamabad and the Southern Punjab PWD Division, while Rafique Ahmed from Circle One will be posted from Islamabad Circle.
This is the first big reorganization inside the Ministry of Housing and Works since the incumbent took office more than a year ago. Conflicts between Federal Minister Maulana Abdul Wasy and the recently replaced Secretary of Housing and Works, Iftekhar Shilwani, have been underway for more than a month, according to sources.
The appointment of Pervez Khan as Chief Engineer of the North Zone has raised concerns due to current National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigations into allegations of major corruption in the awarding of billions of -rupee contracts. Furthermore, the NAB investigations into Khan’s circle have complicated matters further, calling into question the prudence of entrusting Khan with new responsibilities in such a key position.
While the current Secretary of Housing and Works was initially given verbal instructions, he expressed qualms about these transfers and postings.
The PWD is now wrapping up its fiscal year, and such a large reorganization at this time is likely to have a negative impact on normal official operations. During the month of June, the department handles substantial financial activities, such as advance payments and clearing prior dues. The reshuffling of key personnel, including the Chief Engineer, during this critical period is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the department’s functioning and continuing corruption investigations.
Concerns about potential disruptions in the department’s functioning and the treatment of corruption-related charges are growing among stakeholders within the PWD and the general public. The impact of political intervention on the efficiency and integrity of the Ministry of Housing and Works is still being closely scrutinized.
Read More:
EE CCD-2 Peshawar, DI Khan 9-6-23 2
EE CCD-2 Peshawar, DI Khan 9-6-23
