ISLAMABAD, April 5, 2013: The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) Constituency Long-Term Observers (CLTOs) have recorded 20 cases of postings and transfers in nine districts across the country. The highest number of cases was observed in the police department, with 12 officials changed during the period between March 24 and 29, 2013, says a press release issued by FAFEN on Friday.
FAFEN observers reported 20 postings and transfers in nine (9) districts. Most cases (13) were reported in four (4) Punjab districts – Vehari, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal and Mianwali.
Another four (4) postings and transfers were reported in three (3) Sindh districts – Matiari, Khairpur and Ghotki. Two (2) postings and transfers were recorded in Kharan district of Balochistan, and one (1) in Kurram Agency of FATA.
A total of 20 postings and transfers were recorded by FAFEN observers in police, judiciary, education department and other public offices in nine (9) observed districts.
The highest number of postings and transfers was observed in the police department, with 12 police officials, including 11 Station House Officers (SHOs) being changed in three (3) districts of Punjab – nine (9) in Vehari and one (1) each in Toba Tek Singh and Minawali. An Assistant Political Agent (APA) was transferred in Kurram Agency FATA.
Two (2) public servants were changed in Sindh – Matiari, Khairpur – and two (2) in Kharan district of Balochistan. Two (2) Executive District Officers (Education) were changed in Sahiwal and Mianwali districts of Punjab and one (1) in Matiari district of Sindh. One (1) Additional Sessions Judge was also transferred in Ghotki district of Sindh.
Based on information gathered about continuing postings and transfers, FAFEN recommends that ECP should rigorously enforce its Notifications and other law barring the last-minute postings and transfers of state employees around the country before elections. All public departments, including the judiciary, should vigilantly follow these Notifications and laws to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections.
