Punjab Minister for Wildlife and Fisheries Malik Asad Khokhar relinquished his portfolio after Lahore Commissioner Asif Bilal Lodhi, who was posted in Lahore on his alleged recommendation last week, was transferred along with another civil servant.
Both civil servants, Lodhi and Dr Shoaib Akhtar were posted in the provincial capital last week after Khokhar recommended them to the chief minister.
According to reports, along with Khokhar, Lodhi and Akhtar have remained part of the CM Usman Buzdar's team. Akhtar served as the principal secretary to the CM whereas before assuming the office of commissioner Lahore in 2019, Asif Bilal was serving as special secretary and both of them were part of CM Punjab’s team.
However, PM Imran Khan during his visit to Lahore was displeased with a delay in completion of southern loop-3 of the Ring Road. It may be noted here that Lodhi was also in charge of the Ring Road project.
Upon learning that Lodhi was posted on the recommendation of MPA Khokar and some other controversial matters related to the top civil servants, the PM ordered their transfer. The reports claimed that Khokhar was also asked to quit.
However, Khokhar said that he resigned by his choice and denied any link to the Ring Road project. He said he was disappointed at speedy transfer, postings of officials of the Punjab government, including his own department, due to which ministers have to face embarrassing situations before their voters in their constituencies.
Khokhar also rejected the allegation that he played any role in the posting of the commissioner.
Both civil servants, Lodhi and Dr Shoaib Akhtar were posted in the provincial capital last week after Khokhar recommended them to the chief minister.
According to reports, along with Khokhar, Lodhi and Akhtar have remained part of the CM Usman Buzdar's team. Akhtar served as the principal secretary to the CM whereas before assuming the office of commissioner Lahore in 2019, Asif Bilal was serving as special secretary and both of them were part of CM Punjab’s team.
However, PM Imran Khan during his visit to Lahore was displeased with a delay in completion of southern loop-3 of the Ring Road. It may be noted here that Lodhi was also in charge of the Ring Road project.
Upon learning that Lodhi was posted on the recommendation of MPA Khokar and some other controversial matters related to the top civil servants, the PM ordered their transfer. The reports claimed that Khokhar was also asked to quit.
However, Khokhar said that he resigned by his choice and denied any link to the Ring Road project. He said he was disappointed at speedy transfer, postings of officials of the Punjab government, including his own department, due to which ministers have to face embarrassing situations before their voters in their constituencies.
Khokhar also rejected the allegation that he played any role in the posting of the commissioner.