Govt asked to cancel transfer of Upper Chitral DC
BOONI: Representatives of different political parties and civil society here criticized the government for premature and untimely transfer of the deputy commissioner of Chitral Upper.
It may be noted that the government on Tuesday removed the deputy commissioners of seven districts, including Chitral Lower and Upper, from their posts.
At a meeting chaired by former union council nazim Salamat Khan, the participants termed the transfer of Muhammad Ali Khan a big blow to the development of the backward and new district.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Tehreek Huqooq-e-Awam, JUI-F, JI, PPP and the lawyers community.
The participants said Upper Chitral is the most backward and remote district of the province and after its formation about three years ago it will now get the third deputy commissioner.
The role of the deputy commissioner in the development of a district is vital, especially when the district is new. But the first deputy commissioner of Upper Chitral turned out to be the most incompetent and totally callous towards public issues, they said.
After his transfer, however, Upper Chitral was fortunate enough to have a public-friendly and hard working DC when Muhammad Ali Khan was posted here.
During the short period since his posting here in July 2021, Mr Ali not only arranged mega events to promote tourism and publicize the tourism potential of Upper Chitral but also managed to start work on a number of development projects.
He also won the hearts of the local people by making himself easily accessible to them at his office as well as at their own doorsteps by holding open kutcheries even in remote villages.
Because of his efforts, the NHA started work on the construction of the Mastuj road, Kosht and Istaru bridges. Moreover, the service of Rescue 1122 was launched in the district while rehabilitation of the flood-damaged Reshun powerhouse was also carried out.
The meeting called on the chief minister and other authorities to withdraw the order related to the transfer of Upper Chitral DC for at least two years for the best interest of the people of the backward district.
They expressed the fear that the new deputy commissioner may not be as efficient and public-friendly as was Mr Muhammad Ali, hampering the development in the area.
In that case, the locals would launch a protest movement and in case of any law and order issue, the government would be held responsible.
We want the govt should review the transfer order of the most competent and public friendly DC of Upper chitral. PTI leadership should play its role.
I don’t think it is genuine demand. Such kind of agitating moves harm the officer’s carrier. We admit that Mr. Muhammad Ali sb has proved himself a dedicated and efficient officer and secured public recognition in a short period of his service. We should wish him farewell with prayers for his future successes. We must be hopeful that the substitute DC will also prove his competency.
People of both upper & Lower Chitral term the transfer of DC Upper Chitral as premature & clear violation of transfer policy & against public interest by present Government. We Upper Chitral people appeal to Chief Minister & Chief Secretary KPK to review & reverse DC Muhammad Ali transfer from Chitral Upper.
This transfer is clearly seen violating transfer policy by government itself. It is against public interest. Pti government should review it.