Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday ordered the immediate removal of Jhang Deputy Commissioner Babar Sahib Din after an official vehicle belonging to the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) was seen participating in a jeep rally.
The chief minister described the use of government resources for activities outside their authorised purpose as a serious violation of administrative discipline.
The action followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a PERA vehicle taking part in the recently concluded Jhang Thal Jeep Rally alongside other participating vehicles.
Taking notice of the footage, Maryam criticised the deployment of a regulatory authority’s vehicle for an activity unrelated to its official responsibilities.
“The deployment of a regulatory authority’s resources for non-serious purposes, beyond its officially prescribed mandate, constitutes a serious breach of administrative discipline and a violation of established policy,” she wrote on X.
She subsequently announced disciplinary action against the district administration.
“In view of this matter, the deputy commissioner is being removed from the post with immediate effect,” the chief minister stated.
Maryam also shared an official notification issued on Sunday by the Punjab government’s Services and General Administration Department.
According to the notification, issued on the governor’s orders, Deputy Commissioner Babar Sahib Din “is hereby transferred, with immediate effect” and instructed to report to the department for further orders.
Following the announcement, a claim emerged that the PERA vehicle had been deployed at the rally to provide security and rescue assistance.
However, the chief minister rejected that explanation, clarifying that maintaining security falls within the jurisdiction of the police, while rescue and emergency services are the responsibility of Rescue 1122.
Her response reinforced the distinction between the duties of different government departments and the authorised use of their resources.
The three-day Jhang Thal Jeep Rally concluded last week and was organised in collaboration with private sponsors, according to Jhang District Information Officer Riaz Marth.
Marth said the event had received appreciation from provincial government authorities.
However, the appearance of an official PERA vehicle in the rally subsequently prompted scrutiny of the district administration’s handling of government resources.
The deputy commissioner’s transfer takes immediate effect, with further posting instructions to be issued by the Services and General Administration Department.