ISLAMABAD: The mayor’s additional charge as Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman does not appear to have helped him take significant decisions within the authority.

His decision to replace the CDA member (planning), Waseem Ahmed Khan, on Friday, was reversed by the federal government after the official resisted his transfer order and sought the assistance of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Two significant developments occurred at the CDA within the span of around four hours – the first, when the mayor ordered the repatriation of Mr Khan upon the expiry of his three-year deputation period, and the second, when Mr Khan received an extension from the federal government.

His deputation period ended on August 21, after which – upon a request from the CDA’s management at the time – his parent department issued a no-objection certificate for his extension.

However, the federal government did not issue a notification in this regard until he was repatriated by the mayor.

Following the extension, all eyes are on the mayor and his next move.

After repatriating Mr Khan, Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz gave Chief Metropolitan Officer and CDA Director General (Design) Asad Mehboob Kayani the additional charge of member (planning). Mr Kayani is a Grade 20 official of the CDA, and took charge of his new position following the notification.

An official from the CDA said: “There [was] total confusion [on Friday].” He said Mr Khan was first repatriated, and in the evening, officials learned his deputation period had been extended.

He said it has not yet been decided whether Mr Aziz will accept Mr Khan’s extension.

Mr Khan, the chief metropolitan planner of Lahore, joined the CDA on Aug 15, 2013, for a three-year period. During his stay, he earned a good reputation because no corruption cases emerged against him. While he is known as an honest official, he did not do anything remarkable when it comes to development or improvements in the city during his term.

On Friday evening, he confirmed to Dawn that his deputation period was extended for another year.

Sources said the mayor is reluctant to accept Mr Khan as member planning, but a final decision will be made on Monday.

Mr Aziz said on Friday night that he “just heard of this new development” and could not say anything about it. “I will look into the matter on Monday.” He said according to Friday’s notification, Mr Kayani holds the charge to look after the office of CDA member planning.

Meanwhile, the offices of members administration, estate and land, and environment are still vacant. Sources said the mayor, as acting chairman of the CDA, is trying to form his own team to execute upcoming development projects.

They said the mayor has recommended some names to be appointed to the aforementioned offices in the coming days. Over the last three years, the CDA has remained in the headlines for corruption, particularly in the land and estate directorate.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2016