SIALKOT, Aug 25: The row between the education department's two executive district officers over holding of charge aggravated on Wednesday when both the officials issued show-cause notices to each other.

Riaz Ahmad Cheema and Mirza Muhammad Iqbal are at a variance with each other about holding of the charge of the EDO. The former was appointed to the post by the district government after the transfer of the latter who, however, was re-appointed in Sialkot due to role of some influential politicians.

Both the officials locked the education complex three weeks ago to stop each other from performing duties. Issuing show-cause notices, the two officials have asked each other for the reasons for hampering official duties. They also accused each other of damaging the department's reputation.

According to former educationists, issuance of the show-cause notices by the two EDOs to each other was illegal because both are BS-19 officials. Only the provincial chief secretary and provincial education secretary can issue them show-cause notices.

Meanwhile, the education complex remained locked even after three weeks and the EDOs stayed away from official assignment due to the dispute. Mr Cheema, who replaced Mirza Iqbal as EDO (education) after his transfer to Lahore, has not been able to assume charge of the office.

PASSPORTS: No passport was issued by the regional office here for the 42nd consecutive day on Wednesday due to non-supply of blank copies. The people of both Sialkot and Narowal districts, in the meantime, continued protest against the situation. They urged the authorities concerned to take stock of the situation and resolve the issue.