PESHAWAR, Dec 3: After Punjab, the NWFP caretaker government has placed an immediate ban on all transfers and postings in line with instructions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The NWFP Establishment and Administration Department —through a notification issued here on Monday and sent to administrative heads of all departments concerned — informed them that all postings and transfers of government officials had been banned until the general election.

The notification, however, allowed the heads of the departments to make transfers and postings in ‘most exceptional circumstances’ which should be explained in detail and should be fully justified. The heads of the departments have been directed to comply with the order in letter and spirit.

Official sources told Dawn that requests for transfers and postings of officials having links with PML-Q and PPP-Sherpao had become a routine matter after the formation of a caretaker set-up in the NWFP.

They said the caretaker ministers had been issuing directives for transfer and postings of various officials and officers.