The Punjab Higher Education Department has signaled a strict crackdown on government teachers who are reportedly active in political and religious organizations. Authorities have emphasized that public employees must adhere to service regulations that bar involvement in such groups.
The warning comes after a surge of complaints highlighting that several faculty members at state-run colleges and universities hold leadership roles in political or religious circles. According to officials, these roles directly contravene government service rules.
Allegations Target Senior Academics
Among those facing scrutiny are:
- Dr. Matiullah Bajwa, Lecturer at Government Gulberg College
- Dr. Hammad Lakhvi, Dean and Professor at Punjab University
- Abdul Rehman Shariq, Lecturer
- Dr. Ibrahim Salafi, Government Shalimar College, Lahore
- Professor Abdul Sattar Hamid
- Professor Hamid Abdul Rehman
The complaints, submitted to the provincial education minister and secretary, assert that these individuals have used their positions to wield influence within external organizations. Observers say such involvement could undermine the impartiality expected from government educators.
Calls for Disciplinary Action
Complainants are urging authorities to initiate proceedings under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and Accountability (PEDA) Act. The law provides a legal framework for addressing misconduct among public servants, including penalties for breaches of service rules.
Education officials note that maintaining political neutrality is crucial for the credibility of public institutions. “Government employees are entrusted with shaping young minds; their primary loyalty must remain to the education system, not external organizations,” an official said.
Broader Implications
This move reflects a growing focus on transparency and accountability in Punjab’s public sector. Analysts suggest that the government may aim to send a strong signal that violations of service rules, particularly those that could influence students or compromise institutional integrity, will not be tolerated.
