ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, led by the newly-appointed minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar has shown the door to Shahid Zia Cheema, a grade-20 officer currently posted as chief of Public Investment Program (PIP) section.

Mr Cheema had voiced reservations over the revisions carried out by the secretary on the distribution of official works without prior go-ahead of the National Economic Council (NEC), reports The News.

In another twist, a new controversy came forth when Ali Bat Khan, a grade-21 officer of Planning Commission posted as the joint chief economist (operation) declined to remove Cheema from his position stating the former had not filed any complaint against the latter and hence he couldn’t be removed without taking him into confidence.

Mr Khan stated illegal orders forwarded by the authorities wouldn’t be enforced by the subordinates taking the decision of Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) in Anita Turab case into consideration.

Also, the ministry of planning on the wishes of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has changed Mr Zafar Ul Hassan from the post of Chief Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Project Director (PD) of SDGs.

Till further notice, all three posts of chiefs PIP, SDGs and PD SDGs have been handed over to Shahid Naeem.

However, Mr Cheema protested a parallel system was in place linked to the preparation of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) having an allocation of Rs800 billion for the current financial year.

He added re-sequestration of funding was being implemented by a retired official Asif Sheikh in contravention of Rules of Business of 1973 for operating Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms (PD&R).

This stance was defended by official sources who contended the relevant official defied the powers of the secretary of Planning and Development and wasn’t authorized to do so.

According to an official statement, Cheema was instructed to report to the Establishment Wing of the planning ministry immediately till further orders.

Mr Cheema stated NEC gave go-ahead to the distribution of work among various sections of the Planning Commission.

In a letter, Mr Cheema reiterated PD&R couldn’t make any changes without receiving approval from a competent forum.

“Such acts would be a clear precedent of excessive / misuse of power and authority,” he added.

Also, such distribution of work hasn’t ever been communicated by any former Secretary PD&R.

Only such distribution of work was commenced on the note if the point of view and consent of chief PIP was given.