DC Jhelum Removed for Postponing Exams

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz swiftly removed Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Mir Raza Ozgen from his position on Sunday, following the postponement of intermediate computer science exams in the district ahead of her visit. Originally scheduled for November 10, the Computer Science papers for the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 were postponed to November 30 by the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE).

The BISE cited the deputy commissioner's recommendation and administrative arrangements related to the chief minister's visit as the reason for the delay. In response to the exam postponement, which drew criticism, Maryam Nawaz instructed officials to ensure her district visits wouldn't inconvenience the public or disrupt regular activities.

She deemed the development a violation of her directives and immediately ordered Ozgen's removal. Consequently, Ozgen was transferred to the Services and General Administration Department for further instructions. Asma Ijaz, a BS-19 officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service, was subsequently appointed as the new deputy commissioner of Jhelum.

The Punjab government promptly restored the affected examinations to their original November 10 schedule, rebuking the Jhelum district administration's actions as "foolishness" and "misplaced over-smartness." Maryam Nawaz later issued broader instructions to all commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional police officers, and district police officers in Punjab, prohibiting closures of markets, shops, businesses, or other establishments due to her visits.

She also warned against sealing residential streets or restricting residents' movement under the guise of security arrangements. The chief minister emphasized that security measures should remain discreet and not cause undue inconvenience to the public. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in strict action.