Commissioner Malakand Division Iqbal Hussain Bacha has directed officials to take legal action against individuals who interfere in government affairs or misbehave with government officers, stressing that such incidents should not be settled through informal jirgas at the expense of the rule of law.
Addressing officers at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office during his first visit to Upper Dir, the commissioner said the government’s authority must be upheld and legal procedures followed in cases involving misconduct or interference in official duties.
Referring to a recent incident at Bibiwar Hospital involving a healthcare inspector, Bacha said the inspector should have informed the deputy commissioner instead of arranging a jirga. He directed officers to consult the deputy commissioner in similar situations in the future.
The commissioner also proposed that if a jirga were held in such cases, it should not be free of charge. He suggested imposing a fine of Rs2 million, with the money used to construct drains in the district.
He acknowledged that jirgas are an important part of local society but emphasized that they must not be given precedence over the law.
Officials Told to Maintain Professional Conduct
Bacha also urged government officers to treat members of the public respectfully and avoid confrontations that could lead to abusive language or bitterness.
He advised officials to address disputes through official reports and administrative procedures rather than arguments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust while enforcing the law.
The commissioner made these remarks during a meeting with heads of various line departments at the District Jirga Hall, where officials reviewed governance, public service delivery, institutional performance and ongoing development initiatives.
Deputy Commissioner Upper Dir Dilnawaz Khan Wazir and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sadiq Ali briefed the commissioner on administrative activities, public welfare projects and the performance of different sectors.
Focus on Healthcare, Sanitation and Public Facilities
Reviewing departmental performance, the commissioner directed officers to work with dedication and professionalism to resolve public complaints promptly, improve coordination between institutions and ensure transparency in government services.
In the health sector, he called for effective implementation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission rules and regulations. He stressed the need to improve cleanliness, medical facilities and patient services in both public and private hospitals and medical centres.
The commissioner also instructed relevant departments to take coordinated measures to improve sanitation across the district, remove illegal encroachments from markets, highways and public places, maintain smooth traffic flow and recover government land.
He further directed that absent officers be marked accordingly and warned those present at the meeting.
Commissioner Joins Plantation Campaign
During the visit, Bacha planted a sapling at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office as part of the ongoing plantation campaign.
He highlighted the importance of environmental protection, expanding green spaces and ensuring a clean environment for future generations. He directed the authorities to continue plantation activities effectively.
At the conclusion of the visit, Deputy Commissioner Dilnawaz Khan Wazir presented the commissioner with a traditional Upper Dir Pakol and Chadar as cultural symbols of the district.