56 Civil Defence Officials Face Disciplinary Action in Punjab

Punjab’s Home Department has taken action against 56 civil defence officials across the province, citing allegations of corruption, misconduct and inefficiency. Twelve employees were dismissed, 37 suspended and seven transferred.

The dismissed officials included personnel from Sargodha, Khushab, Multan, Lodhran, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Narowal and Bahawalpur. The department also began disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officials under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act.

Those suspended included the civil defence officer for Rahim Yar Khan, four assistants posted in Vehari, Sialkot, Khushab and Sahiwal, and two senior clerks from Narowal and Gujranwala. Nine chief instructors and 15 instructors were also suspended, along with a rescue leader, rescuer, first aider, driver, naib qasid and sanitary worker.

The department separately transferred seven civil defence officers because of long postings and administrative requirements. The moves included transfers involving Muzaffargarh, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Faisalabad, Sahiwal and Okara, as well as appointments at the Civil Secretariat and the Directorate of Civil Defence in Lahore.

A Home Department spokesperson said the Punjab chief secretary had directed the heads of all departments to ensure departmental accountability.