Punjab removes Jhelum deputy commissioner over bid to delay exam
The chief minister's office has reissued orders that markets, shops and residential streets must not be closed during her official visits across Punjab.
Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Mir Raza was removed from his post on Sunday after he tried to postpone a computer science supplementary exam over a VIP visit, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, Punjab Chief Minister's Office said, Dunya News reported.
Nawaz said Raza had clearly violated her earlier instructions by citing the VIP visit as a reason to delay the examination.
She said official tours should not disrupt the education of students, and that the public, especially students, should not face difficulties during any visit.
The chief minister's office later reissued directives saying citizens should face no hardship during Punjab chief minister's tours.
The directives say no market, shop or business will be closed during such visits, and no commercial activity may be suspended because of them.
Security arrangements cannot be used as a reason to block or seal a residential street, the directives say.
Nawaz also said no restrictions should be placed on citizens' movement during her visits, and security measures should be arranged so ordinary people face no trouble.
The instructions were sent again to regional police officers, district police officers, commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province.
Security arrangements for VIP movements often lead to road closures and traffic disruption in Pakistani cities, a recurring concern for residents and students.
The source report did not say who would replace Raza as Jhelum deputy commissioner.
