LAHORE, Nov 6: Despite clear-cut instructions by the provincial cabinet in June last, five departments continue to violate the ban on transfers and postings. They are also ignoring the reminder that they must follow the decision in letter and spirit.

According to a circular issued here on Thursday, the home, health, local government, higher education and schools education departments are still issuing orders of transfers without permission of the competent authority -- the chief minister -- for relaxation of the ban.

They were asked to ensure compliance of the ban without exception. And any violation would result in initiation of disciplinary proceedings under relevant provisions of law.

The cabinet had banned the postings and transfers on June 10 last, with the exemption of cases in which transfers were meant to fill the vacancies. The government had, nevertheless, made it clear that for transfer orders under any other administrative exigency, prior approval of the chief minister was mandatory.

The government had also found non-observance of the decision by various departments and field offices on June 25 and sent them a reminder to follow the ban.