AFTER partition, the officers of the Indian Civil Service who opted to join Pakistan were appointed on suitable positions by the federal government. Unfortunately, politics and prejudices based on ethnicity and selfish motives arose against the posting of these officers.

I recall an incident when one such officer Inamur Raheem was appointed commissioner Rawalpindi by the federal government. However, the Punjab government expressed strong resentment to this appointment, while the incumbent A.R. Khawaja was reluctant to hand over charge. After the movement of a summary between the central and Punjab governments and the central government’s insistence on having its way, charge was handed over to Inamur Raheem, but conspiracies began to destabilise him. The divisional officers and other staff did not cooperate. Finally, he became so frustrated that he got himself transferred to Karachi.

Not much has changed even after 73 years. The prejudices against federal appointees to provinces seem to continue. Sindh had issues with A.D. Khawaja when he was appointed inspector general of police a few years ago. Again when the federal government posted Dr Kaleem Imam as Sindh IGP, the provincial government demurred.

An IG cannot function effectively and efficiently if the provincial government and the officers will not cooperate. In this tussle between federal and the provincial governments, the people of Sindh will suffer.

Our leaders have not learnt any lesson from their past mistakes. God knows when our politicians will shed personal prejudices and work for the betterment of the people. I wish and pray that I get to see that day in my lifetime.

Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2020