Naveed Miraj
The process of massive transfers and postings especially of administrative and police cadres continues unabated in Punjab province, thus raising genuine qualms amongst the general public that all this is being done to maneuver the upcoming by-elections as well as the provincial and general elections.
Certainly, this is not the first time but, in the past, also one has seen such brazen tactics being employed to steal the mandate of the people and create a favorable environment for a particular party or parties.
Resultantly, the country, unfortunately, has not been able to hold any controversy-free general elections and the regrettable part is that our so-called democratic leaders and political parties have not yet learnt any lesson from their past follies and they continue to tread the same path imprudently just for the lust of power without realizing the consequences of their actions.
Already there were serious question marks on the impartiality of Punjab caretaker government especially the Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi because of his close connections with PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari.
It would have been in the fitness of things that the caretaker setup would have demonstrated neutrality through its actions but it appears that they are more interested in appeasing and serving the interests of certain political parties, instead of fulfilling the main responsibility of ensuring the free, fair and transparent conduct of election.
PTI has approached court over new postings
It must be understood that the people can no longer be hoodwinked mere through lip service as they are politically more aware than ever before and witnessing for themselves what is happening around under different pretexts.
Ever since assuming the office, the Punjab’s caretaker government has made over five hundred transfers and postings in police department alone with over one hundred and fifty in the last few days. Same is the case with the administrative service where ACs/DCs are ostensibly being replaced with those having inclination with the PDM parties.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has also approached Lahore High Court (LHC)challenging new postings. In its petition, the PTI has stated that several sections of the Election Act prohibit a caretaker government from making major appointments of public officials and from transferring any public officials without the approval of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Whilst the matter is before the court, notifications keep emanating regarding the transfers and postings. Just the other day, the provincial government relieved four officers of grade 20 to the disposal of establishment division.
We are confident that the high court will deliver its verdict in accordance with the law and constitution and whatsoever its decision is must be respected by all the parties.
At this critical point in time, the country cannot afford any further polarization. There is already strong resentment amongst the masses over the bone-numbing price hike and the controversial actions on the part of caretaker government is only adding fuel to the fire. Instead of playing with fire, sanity must prevail to bring down the political temperature.
Responsibility in this regard rests with all parties. For the caretakers, it is important that they truly remain neutral while rising above their inclination towards a particular personality or party.
If they succeed in doing so, it will be the best service they will do to this nation and they will always be remembered in history with good words, otherwise, the coming generations will continue to flog them for failing to deliver on their basic responsibilities.
Free, fair and transparent elections which are acceptable to all is the only way through which we can bring much needed political stability and take the country in the right direction.
