Maryam Nawaz Removes Jhelum DC Over Exam Postponement
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has removed the Jhelum deputy commissioner (DC) from his post. This happened on Sunday after computer science papers for intermediate students in the district were postponed because of arrangements for her scheduled visit on November 10.
Reason for Removal
The computer science papers for the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 were originally set for November 10. They were deferred on the recommendation of the dismissed Jhelum deputy commissioner, Mir Raza Ozgen.
Mir Raza Ozgen wrote a letter to the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE). He said that because administrative and security staff would be deployed during the visit, “it is not feasible to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the said examination in the district. It is, therefore, requested that the examination be postponed and rescheduled for another suitable date to avoid any inconvenience to students and ensure the smooth conduct of both the examination and the VVIP visit”.
Social Media Reaction
The decision faced criticism and scrutiny on social media.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s Statement
Maryam Nawaz posted on X that the Jhelum DC was being removed from his post with “immediate effect”.
She said she had given “explicit instructions that no inconvenience or disruption whatsoever should be caused to the public during my visits to the districts”.
“This is a clear disregard for my directions,” she added.
Transfer Orders
In another post, she shared a notification stating that the DC had been transferred. He was instructed to report to the Punjab Services and General Administration Department for further orders.
Exams to Be Held on Original Schedule
Maryam Nawaz announced that the postponed exams would now take place according to the original schedule on November 10.
“Notwithstanding any acts of foolishness or misplaced over-smartness on part of the district administration, the examinations shall be held strictly in accordance with the original schedule, i.e. Tuesday, 10th November,” she posted on X.
New Directives for Officials
In another post on X, CM Maryam directed all regional and district police officers, commissioners, and deputy commissioners to ensure that “no market, shop, business, or any other establishment shall be closed or asked to suspend its operations on account of my visit.”
She added that no residential streets will be blocked or sealed, and no restriction will be placed on the movement of residents “under the pretext of security arrangements”.
“Please ensure that all security measures are discreet and do not cause any inconvenience, disruption, or hardship to the general public,” she wrote. She added that the instructions must be “followed in letter and spirit”.
“Failing to comply will result in strict action.”
Source: dawn