By: Muhammad Ijaz Afridi
PESHAWAR: A high-level review has been initiated within the Public Health Engineering Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following a controversial office order.
The Establishment Department has requested an explanation from the Chief Engineer of the Centre in Peshawar within three days regarding the decision to grant the powers of a sub-engineer to an operator-cum-watchman.
According to available information, on December 16, 2025, the Chief Engineer at the Public Health Engineering Centre in Peshawar issued an office order allowing Anwar Saadat, who is currently serving as an operator-cum-watchman in the office of the Executive Engineer at the PHE Division in Tank, to perform the duties of a sub-engineer. The order stated that this decision was made in the public interest and due to urgent needs.
However, this decision faced severe criticism on social media, prompting the Establishment Section of the Public Health Engineering Department to issue a formal notice to the Chief Engineer. The notice states that appointing a non-technical, low-level employee to a technical position, such as sub-engineer, is against established rules and regulations, for which the department is facing public backlash.
The Chief Engineer has been directed to clarify his position with concrete justifications within three days; otherwise, disciplinary action will be taken against him in accordance with regulations.
Sources indicate that this issue not only pertains to the misuse of administrative powers but also raises concerns about professional competence, transparency, and governance within the Public Health Engineering Department. If the explanation provided is deemed unsatisfactory, the matter may lead to further inquiry and action.
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