ISLAMABAD: The Election Com­­mis­sion of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of inefficiency and misconduct against Aijaz Anwar Chohan, the provincial election commissioner of Punjab, after the disclosure that an election officer stationed in Khushab, Usama Muhammad Ali, left for Canada without prior permission and ex-Pakistan leave, just six weeks before the general elections.

According to an official order seen by Dawn, Mr Ali has not returned to his post since his departure, “thereby abandoning his duties”.

Referring to Mr Chohan, the order said, “As Provincial Election Commissioner, Punjab, you were required to undertake the responsibility of supervising the operations and conduct of the offices under your jurisdiction. Your failure to ensure Mr Usama’s adherence to his official duties constitutes carelessness of your supervisory responsibilities.”

Mr Ali, the then-election officer in Khushab, submitted an application on March 26, 2024, requesting ex-Pakistan leave on full pay for 92 days, starting from May 1, and a no-objection certificate to perform Haj.

Four-member inquiry committee formed to investigate the matter

This application was received by the Office of the Provincial Election Commissioner, Punjab, on April 3, but was not forwarded to the ECP secretary until April 17. A second application, received on May 2, was similarly delayed and forwarded on May 17.

The order notes that Mr Chohan was directly responsible for the timely processing of the application under his supervision and that the failure to ensure prompt action reflects a significant lapse in his administrative duties.

It suggests that Mr Chohan, in collaboration with Sargodha’s district and regional election commissioners, concealed Mr Ali’s unauthorised absence and his earlier departure from Pakistan on Dec 23, 2023, from the relevant authorities.

The document goes on to describe Mr Chohan’s actions as a deliberate withholding of critical information from the ECP, amounting to misconduct. “Such conduct is unbecoming of an officer and constitutes misconduct, as it amounts to keeping the Authority in the dark regarding a serious breach of duty,” it observes.

It regrets Mr Chohan’s failure to report the prolonged and unauthorised absence of an officer, stressing that it demonstrates a clear lack of diligence, interest and efficiency in fulfilling his supervisory responsibilities.

“This oversight is particularly egregious considering the critical nature of the ongoing General Elections 2024, where close and continuous interaction with officers under your jurisdiction was imperative. Your negligence in this matter has also adversely affected the integrity of the election process and reflects poorly on your capability to manage and supervise effectively,” the order said.

The order says the accused officer appears to be guilty of inefficiency and misconduct as defined under Rules 2(1)(h) and (k) and 3(a) and (b) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, and is liable to be proceeded under these rules, which may involve imposition of major penalty or penalties, including the dismissal from service.

The ECP has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee, headed by Masood Sherwanee, director general (political finance) at the ECP Secretariat, Islamabad, will include Saeed Ahmed Khan, regional election commissioner at Dera Ismail Khan; Waseem Ahmed, director (elections) at the office of the provincial election commissioner, Balochistan; and Abdul Wadood, district election commissioner-i, Lahore.

Mr Chohan has been instructed to submit a written defence to the inquiry committee within 10 days of receiving the order. The inquiry is to be conducted in accordance with the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, and must be completed within 21 days, or within any extended period granted by the relevant authority.

The committee is required to submit its report, including clear findings and specific recommendations, within seven days of completing the inquiry.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2024