ISLAMABAD: Retired Lt Sohail Ashraf, a BS-20 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, was appointed Chief Commissioner of Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Government of Pakistan’s Cabinet Secretariat Establishment Division issued a notification stating that retired Lt Sohail Ashraf, presently posted under the Government of Punjab, has been transferred and posted as Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), under the Interior and Narcotics Control Division, with immediate effect and until further orders.

Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa was unceremoniously removed from the post and asked to report to the Establishment Division. Mr Randhawa had been holding dual offices in Islamabad, including chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The CDA faced massive criticism recently over the chopping of trees in Islamabad for development projects. Mr Ashraf has previously served as Secretary of Communications and Works in Punjab, as well as Director General of the Punjab Land Record Authority. He also held positions as Deputy Commissioner of Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026