In a significant administrative shake-up, the Government of Punjab has issued a notification announcing a series of high-profile appointments and transfers across various departments. This reshuffling affects numerous senior bureaucrats and is aimed at ensuring more effective governance and streamlined operations in the province. The notification, which outlines the new roles and responsibilities of these officers, reflects the government’s efforts to optimize the functioning of its departments by placing experienced officials in key positions.
Secretary Health Granted Four-Month Leave
One of the most notable changes involves Secretary Health Ali Jan Khan, who has been granted a four-month leave. During his absence, Khan has been directed to report to the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD). This move is particularly significant given the critical role of the Health Department, especially in the context of ongoing public health challenges. The decision to grant leave to a top health official signals a potential shift in the department’s leadership, possibly paving the way for new strategies and policies in healthcare administration.
Key Transfers and Appointments
The notification further details the transfer of a Grade 21 officer, who has also been directed to report to the S&GAD Department as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD). This transfer is part of a broader strategy to place officers in positions where their expertise can be utilized more effectively.
Saqib Ali Aqeel has been appointed as the new Secretary of Livestock, a crucial department given Punjab’s significant role in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Aqeel’s appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the department, particularly in enhancing productivity and addressing challenges faced by the livestock industry.
In another significant move, Muhammad Masood Anwar has been appointed as the Chief of Section in the Planning and Development (P&D) Department. Anwar’s experience in planning and development is likely to contribute to more robust and efficient project implementation across the province.
Azmat Mehmood, who was previously waiting for an appointment, has been assigned the role of Secretary for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education. This department is crucial for managing Punjab’s healthcare system, including the oversight of medical education institutions and specialized healthcare services.
Additionally, Secretary Baitul-Mal Iqbal Hussain has been directed to report to the S&GAD Department. The notification also states that Hussain will be attending the 121st National Management Course, a prestigious program aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of senior government officials.
New Appointments in Key Positions
Javed Akhtar Mahmood, previously designated as an OSD, has been appointed as Secretary of the Treasury. Mahmood’s role will be vital in managing the province’s financial resources, particularly in ensuring fiscal discipline and effective budget management.
Zahoor Hussain has been appointed as Member Judicial 3, a position that underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the judicial system. Meanwhile, Muhammad Khan Ranjha has been appointed as the Secretary of the Archives Department, which plays a key role in preserving historical records and ensuring access to public documents.
The reshuffling also includes the appointment of Muhammad Jahanzeb as Commissioner of Sargodha, a position that involves overseeing the administration of the Sargodha division. Ajmal Bhatti, who was serving as the Acting Commissioner of Sargodha, has been directed to report to the S&GAD Department, indicating a shift in the division’s leadership.
Additional Charges and New Roles
Khalid Nazir, who is currently the Special Secretary for School Education, has been given the additional charge of Secretary of School Education. This dual responsibility reflects the government’s trust in Nazir’s ability to manage the province’s education system, which is critical for the development of human capital.
In other appointments, Shozab Saeed, previously an OSD, has been appointed as the Director General of the Punjab Encroachment and Regulatory Authority. Saeed’s role will be crucial in addressing issues related to land encroachment and ensuring regulatory compliance across the province.
Nadia Saqib has been appointed as Secretary of Primary and Secondary Healthcare, a department that plays a fundamental role in delivering basic health services to the population. Saqib’s leadership will be key in advancing public health initiatives and improving access to healthcare in both urban and rural areas.
Lastly, Muhammad Ali, another OSD, has been appointed as Commissioner of the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI). His role will involve overseeing the provision of social security benefits to employees, ensuring their welfare, and managing the institution’s resources effectively.
The recent reshuffling in Punjab’s bureaucracy, as outlined in the government notification, represents a strategic move to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the provincial administration. By placing experienced and capable officers in key positions, the government aims to address the challenges faced by various departments and improve service delivery across the province. As these officials assume their new roles, their leadership will be crucial in driving Punjab’s development agenda forward and ensuring that the province’s administrative machinery operates smoothly.
