LAHORE: Punjab Technical and Vocational Training Authority chairman Hafiz Farhat Abbas has resigned three months after joining the post over alleged political interference.

Sources said the main reason behind the resignation of Mr Abbas was frequent intervention in the authority’s affairs by Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal.

Mr Abbas sent his resignation to Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar stating: “I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as Punjab Technical and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta) chairman, effective July 17, 2019. After a period of consideration, I have reached a conclusion that it will not be possible for me to continue further. I appreciate the opportunities for professional development that you have provided me with over the past few months.”

Mr Abbas was appointed Tevta chairman on April 20.

A senior Tevta official told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that the chairman on Wednesday called a meeting of the officials and told them that it was becoming difficult for him to work. He quoted the chairman as saying he was working for the betterment of the institution but frequent political intervention was creating problems for him.

The official said the minister for industries and trade was meddling in the affairs of Tevta. He said the chairman had time and again approached the minister to sort out the matter but he was being forced to transfer and post officials as desired by the higher authorities.

The official claimed that the minister during a meeting threatened to get resignation from the Tevta chairman when he refused to acquiese in all the demands.

He said the chairman resigned from the post and sent his letter to the chief minister.

The minister was not available for comment while his spokesperson said he did not know about the resignation of the Tevta chairman.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2019