SIALKOT, Feb 2: The Punjab Teachers Union (PTU) has expressed grave concern over the prolonged ‘occupation’ of Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) post by many officials.

In a press release issued here on Thursday, the PTU claimed that education officers had been involved in corruption and misuse of powers but they had been working on the same posts for several years due to “strong political connections.”

The PTU said AEO (Markaz Sialkot) Mrs Tabbasum Rana has been occupying the seat for the last eight years. It said the Sialkot EDO (education) had sent a detailed report against her to the Punjab education secretary regarding misuse of her official powers. But she has been continuing on the same post.

AEO (Markaz Uggoki) Mrs Samina Rashid has been working for the last seven years. Similarly, Mrs Tanvir Firdous has been appointed as AEO (Markaz Sabzpeer) and, despite an inquiry by Aslam Gul who recommended not to appoint her on an administrative post, she has still been working due to her strong political influence.

The PTU said SST Mrs Manzoor Akhtar of the Government Girls Elementary School Kambaanwala, Sialkot, has been appointed again as AEO (Markaz Sialkot Saddar) as she has already completed her four-year tenure as AEO, while SST Mrs Waheeda Akhtar Government Pak Girls Elementary School, Sialkot City, was given a second term as AEO (Markaz Head Marala). She has already completed her four years as an AEO.

SST Muhammad Yusaf posted at the Government Pilot Secondary School, Sialkot, has been appointed again as AEO (litigation) at the DEO office as he has already completed his four-year official tenure as an AEO. Similarly, Chand Kamran Butt has been appointed as AEO (litigation) at the DEO (male) office.

According to the rules and regulations, an SST (science) cannot be appointed as an AEO.

AEO (Pasrur HQs) Tahir Mahmood Bajwa has been posted as AEO at Gadgor for a second time though he has completed his four-year tenure.

AEO Ali Nasir Rizvi has been occupying a seat for the last six years. SST Qasim Ali of the Government Elementary School Ramkey, Pasrur, has been appointed as AEO (Pasrur HQs). He has already completed a four-year tenure as an AEO and he has been again appointed as AEO in violation of rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, PTU leaders at a press conference here on Thursday afternoon hailed the transfer of some corrupt officials of Daska education department.

The officials who have been transferred include Daska tehsil deputy District Education Officer (female) Mrs Tehzeeb Fatima, Assistant Education Officer (female) Markaz Mrs Nighat Fatima and junior clerk Muhammad Shahbaz.