LAHORE: Taking exception to a “reprimanding” official letter from the deputy commissioner for his absence from a meeting, cantonment executive officer of Jhelum Cantt, has demanded the administrative head of the district to cancel the “unauthorised” communiqué within 24 hours or the matter will be referred to his (DC’s) bosses.

As per sources, Jhelum deputy commissioner (DC) had sent an explanation letter to Jhelum Cantt CEO Ghulam Muhammad Abro, asking him to explain his absence from the ‘Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign 2021’ meeting despite being invited to it on July 17.

The letter states that the CEO was absent from the meeting without any prior “approval” by the DC. “This is highly objectionable and shows negligence/ inefficiency to the official duty on your part,” it reads.

The DC sought an explanation from the CEO within three days and warned of “disciplinary action under PEEDA Act 2006” on account of poor performance and negligence.

The CEO, however, returned the letter, showing his surprise at the DC’s [poor] knowledge of service matters and rules – to begin with.

The CEO stated in his July 28 response that he himself was a BS-18 federal government civil servant, and that calling explanation under the PEEDA Act was “beyond his [DC’s] jurisdiction and wishful desire”. He added that the DC was not the authority to monitor his performance and dutifulness.

Instead, the CEO stated, it was expected from the DC to “show grace and professional acumen” while addressing a fellow officer, who did not fall under his command and authority.

The CEO also objected to not marking the letter as `personal/confidential’.

He asked the DC to withdraw the “unauthorised” letter within 24 hours or he would refer the matter to the Rawalpindi division commissioner and Punjab chief secretary.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2021