Is there a method behind this madness?
While politicians take years to be exposed, accusing fingers are being pointed at a number of caretakers in less than two months. The motives behind crucial transfers and appointment are being discussed widely in the media. The caretaker setup is tasked only to make arrangements for holding timely elections. The interim administration is supposed to comprise neutral individuals known for their integrity. They can retain the image only if they are fully focused on their one item agenda. No doubt there are several weaknesses in the system which need to be rectified and numerous injustices that have to be undone. There is however no need for urgency as the elected government is likely be in office in less than two weeks. The caretakers must use their powers sparingly and only in the limited sphere allotted to them. The caretakers are of course required to undertake administrative measures to help the ECP hold fair and free elections. Early last month the ECP ordered the federal and provincial administrations to change certain federal and provincial secretaries who were supposedly loyal to the outgoing administration. This was needed to provide all candidates a level playing field. Suspicions about civil servants lurk because the bureaucracy in general and in Sindh and Punjab in particular, has been stuffed with lateral entrants and political appointees often at the cost of merit, thanks to the patronage-driven political system prevalent in the country. These transfers were therefore understandable.
But the matter did not remain confined to carrying out the orders of the ECP. There were stories in the media of government officers being transferred because they reportedly refused to carry out illegal orders. One minister, avowedly an NHA contractor, desired the termination of the services of two NHA officials working on contract. An additional secretary of ministry of communications who refused to implement the order was transferred without mentioning any reason. Acts of the sort have given birth to suspicions about the ulterior motives of some of the caretakers. What is more it is in violation of the Supreme Court verdict in Anita Turab case.
It is not a matter of transferring one or two officers only. At least 20 high ranking officers have been dislodged without being assigned any reason. This is highly unjust because this impairs the working of the concerned departments, delays crucial decisions and causes unnecessary hassle to the officials who have to hire lawyers and make appearances at the court. The glaring high-handedness has finally led the Supreme Court to issue a contempt notice to the caretaker prime minister. What is highly disturbing is that the cycle of transfers has continued even after the elections. On Tuesday managing directors of three petroleum and natural resources companies were removed arbitrarily. One simply fails to understand the reason behind the highhanded activity. Is it just a brainwave or is there a method behind this madness?
