LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan has initiated an inquiry into alleged irregularities in recruitments and promotions within the Punjab Assembly Secretariat.
Over 300 appointments and promotions have come under scrutiny, with particular attention to 35 new recruitments approved during the recent caretaker government period.
Reports indicate that the Election Commission has taken note of promotions violating rules, including the elevation of four deputy superintendents during the caretaker government. Additionally, promotions of retired employees were uncovered during the investigation.
Sources reveal that within four days, promotions extended to various positions such as assistant secretary, deputy secretary, staff officer to the speaker, English reporters, assistant security officers, telephone operators, assistant garage supervisor, lawn supervisor, and security assistants.
In related news, the Lahore High Court deferred the hearing on the bail application of former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. Elahi faces charges in the case of illegal recruitment in the Punjab Assembly. The adjournment was granted at the request of the government lawyer, with the Prosecutor General summoned to present arguments during the next hearing.
Justice Shahram Sarwar Chaudhry, presiding over the bail application, expressed that ‘more respite should be given,’ leading to the adjournment of the hearing.
Anti-corruption authorities have filed a case against Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, and the Lahore High Court is now reviewing his bail application after an earlier rejection by the anti-corruption court.
