Growing political interference on major “reshuffle” in PWD causes transfer of Federal Secretary Housing

By Aamir Lashari
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Housing and Works has recently witnessed a significant reshuffle within the Public Works Department (PWD) North Zone, raising concerns about possible future increasing political interference. The ever-growing political interference is said to be a main reason behind the ouster of former federal secretary housing and works, Iftikhar Shilwani from the ministry. iftikhar Shilwani, once the close confidant of the federal minister earned wrath over disobeying the orders for transfer/postings on political basis. According to sources and official notification, most junior officers have been posted on senior positions.
The reshuffling of key positions, including the Chief Engineer, was carried out on the instructions of Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Maulana Abdul Wasy. This unexpected move has sparked worries among stakeholders about political interference and its potential impact on the department’s functionality and ongoing corruption investigations.
Among the notable changes, Anwar-ul-Haq Duggar, the Chief Engineer of the North Zone, was replaced and appointed as the Director General of the Policy and Planning Wing in the Ministry. Pervez Khan, Superintendent Engineer from Peshawar Circle, has now taken over as the Chief Engineer of the North Zone.
Furthermore, Assistant Engineer Shahid Sattar from the PWD Division BatKhaila has been replaced by Executive Engineer Qasim Rashid Khan from Peshawar Circle. Sattar has been directed to report to the Director General of Pakistan PWD immediately. Additionally, Assistant Executive Engineer Rashed Hussain from Sargodha Circle has been replaced by Naveed Abbas from Gujranwala Circle, who will assume an additional charge. Another transfer involves Shahid Hussain from Central Sool Circle Islamabad taking over the role of Rashed Kodegi Office in Islamabad and Southern Punjab PWD Division, while Rafique Ahmed from Circle One will be posted from Islamabad Circle.
This reshuffle represents the first instance of major changes within the Ministry of Housing and Works since the incumbent assumed office over a year ago. Sources reveal that conflicts between Federal Minister Maulana Abdul Wasy and the recently replaced Secretary of Housing and Works, Iftekhar Shilwani, had been ongoing for over a month.
The decision to appoint Pervez Khan as Chief Engineer of the North Zone has raised eyebrows due to ongoing investigations by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) into allegations of significant corruption in the awarding of billions of -rupees contracts. Moreover, the NAB investigations against Khan’s circle have further complicated matters, casting doubt on the wisdom of entrusting him with additional responsibilities in such a critical position.
While verbal instructions were initially given to the current Secretary of Housing and Works, he however expressed reservations about these transfers and postings.
The PWD is currently in the process of closing the financial year, and such a major reshuffle at this time is likely to have adverse effects on routine official affairs. The department handles significant financial transactions, including advance payments and clearing previous dues, during the month of June. The reshuffling of key positions, including that of the Chief Engineer, during this critical period is expected to have far-reaching implications for the department’s operations and ongoing corruption cases.
Stakeholders within the PWD and the general public are closely monitoring the consequences of these transfers, as concerns mount over potential disruptions in the department’s functioning and the handling of corruption-related matters. The impact of political interference on the efficiency and integrity of the Ministry of Housing and Works continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny.