ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister Office on Tuesday took notice of multiple charges being held by officers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and directed the civic agency to put its house in order.

Sources said PM office directed CDA to end culture of the multiple charges being held by the CDA officers also came under discussion.

The sources said newly-appointed CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf was directed to take steps aimed at bringing an end to culture of ad hocism. The CDA is currently managing its operations with several officers holding multiple additional charges, including one officer assigned seven roles.

Sources in the CDA told Dawn that many officers were holding multiple charges, particularly after removal of over 200 officers and officials including some with good repute.

Education ministry told to submit report on inordinate delay in hiring heads of three educational bodies

A few months ago, the CDA removed over 200 officials and officers from their posts stating that officers with bad repute were being removed to improve efficiency. Surprisingly, some officers of good repute were also sidelined as no inquiry was pending against them. The move was surprising for many, as some officers with excellent record were also among those removed in the name of accountability.

“It seems while compiling lists for removing officials of bad repute, someone set personal scores with officers of good repute, who too were removed,” said an official.

Official sources in the CDA said there was no rule to sideline an officer without establishing any charge. “If there is any corruption allegation, then after conducting an inquiry charges should be framed and such officers/officials should be sent packing as no one can support any official of tented reputation. But there is no justification of sidelining such a large number of officials/officers without proper inquires. How long CDA will continue paying salaries to sidelined officials,” an officer asked.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Office has sought a report from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training over the inordinate delay in filling of posts in three educational bodies.

Sources said the PM office while taking notice of a media report sought details and the ministry submitted its reply.

The three major educational organisations in Islamabad — Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) and the Directorate of Special Education — have been running under interim arrangements.

These organisations currently have no regular head, leading to a situation that raises questions about the efficiency of the Ministry of Education.

The post of DG FDE, which deals with public sector schools and colleges, has been lying vacant since July 2023, while the post of DG Special Education is vacant for the about one year.

Meanwhile, the post of chairperson Peira, an organisation that regulates private schools, has been vacant for the last three months.

At least three officers of the education ministry stated that in reply to a letter from the PM office, the ministry on Monday submitted its reply, stating that the process for the hiring of the DG FDE and chairperson Peira was near completion.

The ministry added that Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) after test and interview process had nominated a successful candidate and now the case was in the process of security clearance.

The ministry also stated that for appointment of chairperson Peira, interview process had been completed and soon a panel of successful candidates will be sent to the PM office.

Similarly, the ministry in its letter informed the PM office that the post of DG Special Education was reserved for promotion and after the selection board the post will be filled. However, the office of DG Special Education is being run on an interim basis.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2026