September 25, 2008	Thursday	Ramazan 24, 1429

LAHORE, Sept 24: Constant shuffling of officials in the Punjab government like a pack of cards in the name of efficiency and honesty appears to have shaken the confidence of the administrative machinery, making even the seemingly ‘favoured’ ones to find excuses to request for low-profile postings. And in the case of federal-level employees, the officials hanker after transfers to Islamabad.The initial selection of administrative machinery on the basis of their ‘inclination’ towards the PML-N or their willingness to work for its government too has lost its appeal because of the party’s cold war with the PPP. Such a situation has made officials keep ‘future’ in mind rather than putting in everything for the struggling Punjab rulers.

The state of affairs is simply discouraging the officials rather than serving as a motivating force necessary for running a government.

On the other hand, the mainstream bureaucrats making all such arrangements reportedly on the direct beckoning of their political bosses refuse to buy the argument that the policy has created a chasm between them and the rest of the administration.

“We are selecting only efficient and honest officials. And some of them have been dislocated purely for administrative reasons. We are changing those who cannot advance the government policy of giving immediate relief to the people. Yes, those finding themselves unable to deliver are also requesting transfers, but they are few,” a senior officer told Dawn on Wednesday.

He denied that the government’s policy was confusing the administrative machinery, but said the political battle certainly had left a negative impact on government servants.

Many officials, who find themselves on the wrong side of the government policy, have expressed disappointment while speaking to Dawn. “They are demanding too much in too short a time and are not listening to the reason,” an official said, requesting anonymity.

These officials question the transfer of three secretaries of the Higher Education Department and the four secretaries of the food department in a short span.

According to them, the integrity, ability and efficiency of former secretaries education Qazi Afaq and Ms Arifa Saboohi were recognised by all and sundry. But when the former was transferred by the government before he could understand his subject, the later herself requested departure because of “difference of opinion on how to run the department”.

The post is now being held by Mr Azhar Shamim who was recently reinstated after reportedly remaining out of service for eight years. “Let’s see how he comes up to the government expectations,” the officials said.