Quota clash sparks bureaucratic tensions

A long-standing dispute in the country’s largest province over quota-based postings between Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and Provincial Management Service (PMS) officers continues, with PMS officers voicing serious concerns and demanding postings strictly in line with the rules. Meanwhile, the provincial selection board has not been convened for over a year to approve the promotions of PMS officers to the next grade, leaving dozens of officers awaiting advancement. Allegedly, PMS officers from grade 17 to 21 are often not posted according to their allotted quota, while junior PAS officers are being assigned to senior positions at the same pay and grade. In over 70 per cent of districts, grade 18 PAS officers have been appointed as Deputy Commissioners, fueling frustration among PMS officers. At the same time, 80 per cent of commissioners and secretaries are PAS officers, creating a silent but intensifying “cold war” within Punjab’s civil bureaucracy. PMS officers have protested the preferential appointment of PAS officers to key administrative positions, such as Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, calling it a violation of merit. The PMS Association has repeatedly demanded that the service rules be balanced to protect the rights of provincial officers. PAS officers, on the other hand, argue that their training and service structure equips them to handle broader national and international matters, making their placement in senior roles essential. Punjab has nearly 5,000 officers across five services from grade 17 to 22, including over 450 PAS and 1,200 PMS officers. PMS officers have a quota from grades 17 to 21, while grade 22 is fully reserved for PAS. Of PMS positions, 75 per cent are filled, with the rest vacant or held by PAS. Grade-wise distribution shows grade 21: 66 per cent PAS, 35 per cent PMS; grade 20: 60 per cent PAS, 40 per cent PMS; grade 19: 50 per cent each; grade 18: 60 per cent PMS, 40 per cent PAS; grade 17: 75 per cent PMS, 25 per cent PAS. Former PMS Association President Rai Manzoor Hussain Nasir felt that PMS officers had long faced exploitation regarding transfers, postings, and promotions. “Although efforts were made to secure officers’ rights, over time, personal preferences have overtaken tenure policy, with favored officers receiving prime field postings while PMS officers are denied timely promotions or merit-based postings. The government must adhere to approved quotas and convene provincial selection boards for timely promotions,” said Nasir. PMS President Qamar Zaman Qaisrani claimed that although there were 706 grade 17 officers, only 11 reach grade 21, which was highly unfair. “Key policymaking bodies and boards are controlled by a few individuals, obstructing PMS promotions. Despite 70–80 vacancies, boards for promotions have not been held for the past one and a half years, with the last grade 18–19 promotion board held in September 2024. Chief Secretary Punjab has not taken action despite repeated requests,” noted Qaisrani. Tariq Mehmood, a citizen, opined that such internal conflicts harmed governance and delayed the resolution of public issues. Nasser Ali, another local, added, “In officers’ battles, the common man suffers; we only want better services and prompt justice.” A government spokesperson claimed that various proposals were under consideration to resolve the issue, including reforms in service rules, clear division of authority, and efforts to create harmony between both groups. “Provincial selection board meetings will also be convened soon. Officer postings are merit-based, with boards deciding field assignments,” said the official.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/es5pxf3