MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has abolished all temporary and additional charge appointments in the Local Govt and Rural Development Department within one month and made permanent, merit-based postings across the department.
Announcing the verdict in Khawaja Ghulam Rasool’s petition, the court has issued strict orders to the Secretary of the Local Government and Rural Development Department for implementation.
In the ruling, the court expressed concern over the widespread practice of appointing officials of Scale 11 to key Scale 17 and 18 gazetted and administrative posts on the basis of political influence.
The court noted that such practices have disrupted the chain of command, weakened departmental governance, and compromised transparency.
In its directives, the Supreme Court ordered that all additional charge arrangements must be terminated within 30 days and replaced with regular appointments as per the rules.
Sources said the issue was particularly severe in Neelum district, where a Scale 11 Project Assistant, Chaudhry Nazir, has been holding the additional charge of Project Manager Markaz Aathmuqam as well as Deputy Director District Neelum, in clear violation of service rules.
The Gazetted Officers Association, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders welcomed the verdict, calling it a landmark judgment that upholds merit and strengthens institutional discipline. They said the order will not only help reform the Local Government Department but will also serve as a precedent for other departments where similar irregularities exist.
They expressed hope that with the enforcement of the court’s directives, the administrative order will be restored and the process of public welfare will move forward in the right direction.
