Maryam Nawaz removes Jhelum DC over exam delay

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has removed Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Mir Raza Ozgen from his post after intermediate examination papers in the district were postponed due to arrangements for her scheduled visit.

The computer science papers for the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 were originally scheduled for November 10. However, the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) postponed the examinations following a request from the Jhelum deputy commissioner.

In a letter to the examination board, Ozgen stated that the deployment of administrative and security personnel for the chief minister’s scheduled visit on November 10 would make it difficult to conduct the examinations without disruption.

He requested the board to reschedule the papers to another suitable date, citing concerns over the smooth management of both the examinations and the high-profile visit.

The decision sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning why students should face inconvenience because of an official visit.

Taking notice of the matter, Maryam Nawaz announced on Sunday that the deputy commissioner had been removed with immediate effect. She said she had clearly instructed district administrations not to cause any inconvenience or disruption to the public during her visits.

The chief minister described the decision as a disregard for her instructions. She later shared an official notification confirming the DC’s transfer and directing him to report to the Punjab Services and General Administration Department for further orders.

Maryam also ordered that the postponed examinations be held according to their original schedule on Tuesday, November 10.

In another post on X, she criticised what she described as the district administration’s “foolishness” and “misplaced over-smartness”, making it clear that no administrative arrangements should interfere with students’ examinations.