By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Repeated transfer orders issued by the education department within a three-month period have left a senior official, Superintendent Tariq Aziz, without a functional posting, raising concerns about administrative efficiency and decision-making.
According to officials, Aziz was first posted as superintendent in the office of the district education officer (DEO) in Dera Ismail Khan. He was subsequently transferred to the office of the DEO (female) in Hangu. Before he could properly assume charge there, another order reassigned him to District Kurram, with headquarters in Parachinar.
Sources said the Parachinar post is already permanently filled, with an officer currently performing duties, while another official has meanwhile been posted in Hangu. As a result, Aziz is left without any effective charge. Adding to the confusion, a separate promotion-cum-transfer order issued by the secretary for education showed him transferred to Lahore, although he reportedly holds no active posting and is effectively serving as “pay staff”.
Officials noted that District Kurram is already grappling with a fragile law and order situation, security threats linked to militancy, and severe winter conditions. Issuing transfer orders to a district where the relevant post is already occupied has further complicated administrative arrangements.
Members of the teaching community have voiced concern that frequent transfers and unclear postings risk disrupting livelihoods, particularly during harsh weather, as officers without formal assignments are unable to perform their duties.
Education experts described the rapid succession of transfers and postings against already filled positions as a breach of departmental discipline. They have called for a transparent inquiry to ensure better use of officers’ skills and to prevent further administrative uncertainty within the education department.
