ISLAMABAD – A major case of alleged administrative collusion, violation of rules, and subversion of the Provincial Two-Year Tenure Policy has surfaced within the Elementary and Secondary Education Department (E&SED) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where controversial “speaking orders” were reportedly issued to shield influential employees. According to sources, the orders issued on June 10, 2026, have not only weakened the government’s policy framework but have also seriously undermined administrative discipline.
These orders were issued under the signature of the Section Officer (Primary Male) on behalf of the Secretary E&SED, through which the transfer orders of two officials were completely withdrawn. The case involves Senior Clerk (BPS-14) Munir Khan and Assistant (BPS-16) Farman Ullah Jan, who had earlier been transferred from the Directorate Office in accordance with the Provincial Two-Year Tenure Policy and the decisions taken during the Secretaries’ Committee meeting held on February 28, 2025. Documentary evidence suggests that both officials refused to comply with the transfer orders and allegedly used their positions as self-
proclaimed union leaders to retain their postings. Furthermore, a departmental inquiry committee had found them guilty of serious misconduct, yet senior officials reportedly delayed enforcement of disciplinary actions. A critical aspect of the case is the ruling of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal dated January 15, 2026, which explicitly stated that the transfer orders would remain operative until a final decision on the departmental appeal. Despite this clear directive, the concerned authorities failed to implement the orders for a period of six months. Sources claim that deliberate delaying tactics were employed from January to June 2026, including what is being described as a procedural formality in the shape of a personal hearing conducted on April 1, 2026.
The hearing, chaired by the Additional Secretary (Establishment) E&SED, is alleged to have been held merely to create an appearance of due process. Subsequently, on June 10, 2026, the appellate authority issued the controversial speaking orders, effectively withdrawing the transfer notifications. However, the official record of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department reveals that the withdrawal of the transfer orders was carried out through formal speaking orders issued on June 10, 2026. In the case of Mr. Munir Khan, Senior Clerk (BPS-14), the department’s speaking order acknowledged that his transfer from the Directorate of Elementary & Secondary Education Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the Directorate of E&SE Merged Districts, Peshawar, was initially made under the Provincial Two-Year Tenure Policy and the resolutions of the Secretaries’ Committee dated February 28, 2025. The order further stated that Mr. Munir Khan was subsequently transferred to the office of the District Education Officer (Male), Peshawar, through notification dated June 11, 2025. The official document noted that he had challenged the transfer before the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal through Service Appeal No. 1822/2025. According to the speaking order, the Service Tribunal, through its judgment dated January 15, 2026,
directed that the transfer order would remain operative until the departmental appeal was decided, while remaining subject to review by the departmental appellate authority. The department stated that a personal hearing was provided to Mr. Munir Khan on April 1, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Additional Secretary (Establishment), E&SED, in accordance with the principles of natural justice. After reviewing the case, the Secretary E&SE Department, acting as the appellate authority under Rule 17(1)(2)(b) of the E&D Rules 2011, withdrew the transfer order dated June 11, 2025, with immediate effect. Similarly, in the case of Mr. Farman Ullah Jan, Assistant (BPS-16), the department’s speaking order stated that his transfer from the Directorate of Elementary & Secondary Education to the office of SDEO (Female), Town-III, was made on July 16, 2025, in accordance with the Provincial Two-Year Tenure Policy and the resolutions of the Secretaries’ Committee. The order stated that Mr. Farman Ullah Jan had approached the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal through Service Appeal No. 2305/2025. The department further mentioned that his services were later placed at the disposal of DEO (Male), Nowshera, for further adjustment, but the order was kept in abeyance due to ongoing judicial proceedings. The department also referred to the Service Tribunal’s January 15, 2026 judgment, which allowed the transfer order to remain operative until the departmental appeal was decided. After granting a personal hearing on April 1, 2026, the Secretary E&SE Department, exercising appellate powers under Rule 17(1)(2)(b) of the E&D Rules 2011, withdrew the transfer order dated July 16, 2025, with immediate effect. Notably, the opening paragraphs of both orders acknowledged that the original transfers were made “in strict adherence to the Provincial Two-Year Tenure Policy… to ensure administrative rotation, transparency, and effective human resource management.” However, the subsequent withdrawal of these orders without citing any lawful or exceptional public interest reason has been termed by observers as a clear contradiction and indicative of mala fide intent. Administrative experts warn that this development sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that influential or disruptive employees can defy government directives, bypass inquiry findings, and ultimately secure favorable decisions through pressure or connections. The decision has also raised serious concerns about the uniform implementation of the Tenure Policy across the province.
Analysts argue that if such exemptions are granted to a select few, it undermines the principle of fairness and calls into question the legitimacy of all transfers made under the policy. Sources further caution that if the matter is not addressed immediately, it could embolden corruption, favoritism, and indiscipline within the provincial administrative structure. It is pertinent to mention that attempts were made to obtain an official response from the relevant authorities; however, no response was received at the time of filing this report.