KP orders blacklist of corrupt, underperforming officers

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has directed all provincial departments to prepare verified

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has directed all provincial departments to prepare verified lists of corrupt, disreputable, underperforming and suspicious officers by August 7 as part of a major governance reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public service delivery.

According to official directives, officers included on the verified negative lists will not be posted to sensitive positions or offices involving direct interaction with the public. The government has also instructed departments to ensure that all appointments and transfers are made strictly on the basis of merit, performance and suitability.

The directives further emphasize transparency in public procurement and financial management, the establishment of an effective public grievance redressal system, the digitization of government services and ensuring that officers deliver timely and efficient services to citizens.

Sources said the instructions were issued following a high-level meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries, director generals and heads of various government departments.

According to the sources, if the decisions are fully implemented, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could become the first province in Pakistan to officially maintain a verified negative list of government officers with poor performance records, corruption allegations or damaged reputations.

An official document quoted the chief secretary as saying that providing quality public services and ensuring the welfare of citizens should remain the top priority of every government department