ISLAMABAD: Despite the directive of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Inspector General of Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon are likely to stay on their posts at least for the time being as the Establishment Division has not even started the process to transfer them.

The secretary Establishment Division informed the ECP that owing to the prevailing law and order situation the interior ministry wanted to retain both the officers on their respective offices.

Mr Khan was appointed as IGP Islamabad in May 2022 by the then PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.

In October, the ECP had asked the interior ministry to transfer the officers after different political parties filed complaints against them fearing they may influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.

Initially, the interior ministry had given a nod to the Establishment Division for the transfer of the two officers.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Dec 25 asked the Establishment Division to propose a panel of officers to fill the vacant posts.

“The prime minister has seen and is pleased to desire that with regard to replacement of deputy commissioner Islamabad and inspector general of police Islamabad, Establishment Division shall propose a panel of officers for his perusal/orders,” read a letter issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

However, the PM’s letter could not reach the Establishment Division during working hours on Tuesday.

Sources in the Establishment Division said since the letter was not reached, the names of the officers to be included in the panel could not be considered.

The secretary Establishment Division informed the ECP about the interior ministry’s directive and said the administrative division of the IGP and DC Islamabad wanted to retain them; therefore, they might be allowed to stay in Islamabad till further orders.

Sources said since the PM Office had sought names of the officers, the Establishment Division would also apprise the prime minister about the interior ministry’s request.

According to a senior official of the Establishment Division, under the rules transfer or posting of any officer could be retained in exceptional circumstances.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2023