Peshawar – The Provincial Management Service (PMS) Association of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has strongly criticized the recent suspension of several PMS officers over their alleged failure to curb illegal mining activities in their respective jurisdictions, calling the move unfair and discriminatory.
According to a statement issued by PMS Association Chairman Noman Wazir, the suspension orders concerning young PMS officers in District Nowshera and District Kohat have “raised eyebrows” within the civil service community.The association argues that while PMS officers were suspended on allegations, an officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) reportedly facing similar allegations was only referred to the establishment department rather than being suspended.The association maintains that the issuance of two separate notifications with differing language indicates unequal treatment between PMS and PAS officers.It alleged that PAS officers are often shielded by the federal bureaucracy, whereas PMS officers face stricter disciplinary measures.Highlighting the legal and administrative framework, the PMS Association stated that the primary responsibility for preventing illegal mining rests with the Mines and Minerals Department and the police.It noted that an Assistant Commissioner at the tehsil level mainly performs a magistrate’s role, which includes hearing cases and imposing penalties on those found guilty, rather than directly policing mining activities.The statement further termed the suspensions “arbitrary actions” taken without substantial evidence and called for such practices to be halted immediately.
The PMS Association has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the suspension orders and urged authorities to ensure fair and uniform accountability across services.The issue has sparked debate in administrative circles, with calls for a clearer delineation of responsibilities and transparent accountability mechanisms in dealing with illegal mining.
