GILGIT, Jan 12: The local chapter of Pakistan Muslim League-Q has accused government officials of working against the interest of society by promoting sectarianism and nepotism in the region.

Talking to Dawn here on Monday, Abdul Wahid, the president of the PML-Q, said the officials were resorting to nepotism and favouritism in appointments as well as award of contracts in various departments.

He regretted that bureaucracy was not giving due respect to political leaders for whom government departments had become inaccessible.

On the other hand, he added, religious leaders enjoyed full protocol. “The officials use sectarian groups for their promotions and transfers,” he alleged.

He said an all-parties conference was being convened in order to mould public opinion and take all political and nationalist leaders into confidence so that a joint strategy is prepared against the issue.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the grand peace jirga and said its members were wasting public money.

He said entry of religious elements should be banned in government offices and a proper system should be in place to monitor the activities of the officials.