FAISALABAD, Feb 11: The working of the Lyallpur Town Administration is reportedly slow as the Punjab Local Government and Rural Development Department high-ups could not appoint four town officers and a town municipal officer.

There is not even a single competent official in the finance section of the town to prepare budget for six months of this year. Developmental schemes prepared by the town administration are also in the doldrums as the same will be sanctioned after approval of the budget.

Similarly, the working of engineering, gardening, infrastructure, town planning, cleanliness and health sections had almost come to a standstill. Junior officials are seen sitting idle outside their offices. As a result of which people belonging to far-flung areas were being driven from pillar to post for their petty problems.

Rai Muhammad Amin, a PCS officer, was posted against a TMO vacancy on Feb 4, but the town nazim did not give him charge on the plea that the official was critically ill and could not perform efficiently. Another official, Rana Muhammad Naseem, was posted against the vacant slot of town officer (regulation) but he did not join for same reason.

On the other hand, Mujeebuz Zaman Sahmi, town officer (finance), had been arrested about 40 days ago by the anti-corruption establishment for his alleged involvement in a corruption and abuse of power case.

TO (planning and coordination) Ali Imran, TO (infrastructure) Rana Naseem and TO (regulation) Naeemullah Warriach were transferred from the Lyallpur town and posted in the Faisalabad city district government, leaving all seats vacant. TMO Salahuddin was transferred from the town and posted as joint registrar of the Punjab Cooperative Societies.

When contacted, Town Nazim Rana Zahid Mehmood said the government should depute some dedicated and capable officials for such seats so that the financial, administrative and legal affairs of the town could be run effectively.

The nazim said he would meet the chief minister and the local government minister within a couple of days over the issue.