THE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) govern-ment has for the last two years strongly emphasised the implementation of a rotation policy aimed at ensuring trans-parency, efficiency and equal opportunities within the civil service. Last year as well, several transfers were carried out within the secretariat and its attached departments under this policy. However, it is unfortunate that the policy is not being implemented uniformly. In practice, it appears to be applied selectively to certain groups of employees, while others remain unaffected.

First, a significant number of employees from the attached departments have been working within the secretariat for many years. Some of them have remained in the same positions for over 10-15 years without being rotated, which clearly contradicts the spirit of the policy. Second, there are individuals who, due to their ‘connections’ or influence with higher authorities, either avoid transfers altogether, or, even if transferred merely to fulfil procedural requirements, return to their preferred or ‘favoured’ positions after a short period.

This dual standard creates a sense of grave injustice and demotivation among employees who lack such influence. The burden of the policy is disproportionately placed on those who do not have strong backing, while others continue to enjoy undue exemptions. For the rotation policy to achieve its intended objectives, it must be implemented fairly, transparently and without discrimination. Uniform application of official rules is essential to maintaining trust, morale and institutional integrity.

Shahbaz Ahmad
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2026