By Alif Khan Sherpao
CHARSADDA: In a major disciplinary move following an administrative scandal, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has dismissed six officials of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, including the former District Education Officer (DEO) Women Charsadda.
The dismissals come after a formal inquiry confirmed allegations of mismanagement and misuse of authority within the Charsadda Education Department.
According to an official notification, the action was taken under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules 2011.
The individuals dismissed from their posts include Mrs Suraya Begum, former DEO (Women), Charsadda; Mrs Hameem Begum, SDEO (Women); and clerical staff members Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Hasher, Fazal Elahi, and Zawar.
The government initiated the probe following numerous complaints regarding administrative irregularities in the district. A two-member inquiry committee was constituted, led by Imran Ali Khan, Executive Director of the Planning and Development Department, with Bakhtiar Ahmed, Principal of Government Higher Secondary School No. 2, Abbottabad, serving as a member.
The committee’s report concluded that the accused had violated government regulations, citing evidence and records to substantiate the claims. To ensure a fair process, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appointed Abdul Basit, Secretary of the Irrigation Department, as the hearing officer to review the suspects’ defence.
Following the hearing officer’s endorsement of the committee’s findings, the Chief Minister approved the removal of the six officials under Rule 14(5)(ii) of the E&D Rules 2011. Internal sources suggest that this dismissal may lead to a broader wave of accountability within the Charsadda Education Department, as the initial investigation hinted at further underlying issues beyond administrative misconduct.
