Move to create over 100 new additional assistant commissioner posts in Punjab opposed

The Provincial Management Service (PMS) officers’ association in Punjab has strongly opposed the provincial government's decision to establish 101 new Additional Assistant Commissioner (AAC) posts. The association deems this a "mala fide move" intended to weaken the PMS cadre.

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mala fide move

According to the association, AAC posts were abolished decades ago, and their revival is considered "unnecessary and unjustified," particularly following the establishment of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) force. The PMS association's executive committee, led by president Qamar Zaman Qaisrani, decided that a delegation would meet with the Punjab services secretary and the additional chief secretary to convey their concerns and demands. If these issues are not resolved, the association plans to initiate the first phase of protest by wearing black armbands across the province starting Tuesday.

The association argues that creating these new positions will impose an additional financial burden on the national exchequer. They view it as a direct attempt to undermine the existing PMS service structure. Calculating the costs, the association estimates that a single AAC would cost the government approximately Rs46.825 million, with all 101 AACs costing around Rs4.729 billion initially, followed by ongoing monthly salaries and privileges. This cost includes official vehicles, supporting staff, monthly budgets, and office space.

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unnecessary and unjustified

Furthermore, PMS officers have expressed significant concerns regarding alleged discrimination in postings and transfers, delays in promotion board meetings, and the appointment of junior officers to senior positions. Former administrative secretary Yawar Mehdi commented that while the objective of improving public service delivery through AACs is commendable, strengthening field administration should not compromise the civil secretariat or hinder the career progression of PMS officers. The association claims the revival of AAC posts is an attempt to weaken the PMS cadre and is unnecessary after the PERA force was established.

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If PMSA concerns are not addressed, it will launch the first phase of protest by wearing black armbands across the province from Tuesday (tomorrow).