LAHORE: The Pakistan Administrative Service Association (Punjab Chapter) has expressed concern over a decision by the Punjab Ombudsperson (for harassment) against a senior PAS officer Moazzam Iqbal Sipra.

PASA president Babar Aman Babar said the harassment allegation stemmed from a complaint filed by a woman who was previously dismissed by Mr Sipra in the year 2021 on charges of corruption involving land worth Rs30 billion during her tenure as an Assistant Director Land Records (ADLR). Her termination was upheld by the Senior Member Board of Revenue and multiple writ petitions filed by her in the Lahore High Court were dismissed too.

Furthermore, in a separate inquiry, the PASA president stated that another former DG Ms Saira Omar also imposed a penalty of dismissal on the same lady. The appeal against this decision was also dismissed by SMBR which upheld dismissal of the said ADLR.

After exhausting all forums, the PASA president stated that she filed a harassment complaint before the Ombudsperson, more than two years after her dismissal by Mr Sipra, which raised serious questions about motive of the petitioner.

The ruling by the Ombudsperson for harassment relied on the statements of two witnesses who had also been previously dismissed for corruption, raising further doubts.

Moreover, the order against Mr Moazzam Sipra was issued despite a stay order by the Governor Punjab, which had restricted further proceedings.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2025