BY: Syed Fawad Ali Shah
ISLAMABAD – The Provincial Management Service (PMS) Officers Association Punjab has strongly opposed the creation of the posts of Additional Assistant Commissioners, calling the decision “illegal, unjustified and a deliberate attempt to undermine the PMS service.” . In a statement, the association said that it stands for merit, justice and equality and rejects any move that could weaken the role and authority of PMS officers. The association emphasized that administrative decisions should be based on transparency, fairness and merit.
The PMS Officers Association also expressed concern over media reports regarding the alleged role of offices other than the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) in decisions related to postings and transfers of senior administrative officers, including Secretaries, Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners. The association stated that such reports create doubts about the transparency of the administrative system and demanded that all appointments and transfers should be made through a fair and merit-based process to maintain public and official confidence. According to the reporter’s analysis, the controversy has also highlighted the long-standing differences between the Provincial Management Service (PMS) and Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officers regarding administrative authority in Punjab. Unlike PMS officers, Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officers are generally not posted as Additional Assistant Commissioners in Punjab. Critics argue that creating such posts specifically for PMS officers reflects an attempt to adjust the increasing number of provincial management officers within the administrative structure. The analysis further states that PMS officers are often appointed through the provincial recruitment system, while many important postings and administrative decisions affecting them are issued by senior officers belonging to the PAS cadre. According to some PMS circles, this creates a perception that the provincial service officers do not have full control over their own career progression. The reporter’s analysis also points towards concerns that the increasing number of PMS officers in Punjab has created administrative management challenges, and instead of expanding traditional posts, new positions are being introduced to accommodate the growing cadre strength. Critics believe that such measures may affect the status and importance of existing administrative positions. However, supporters of the government’s approach argue that increasing administrative posts can improve governance and provide more opportunities for officers to serve at the field level. The debate reflects the broader issue of power-sharing, cadre management and institutional balance between PMS and PAS officers in Punjab’s bureaucracy.
