MPA Saqib Chadhar denies protocol misuse in DC Jhang transfer controversy, calls for inquiry

Punjab Assembly member from Jhang, Saqib Chadhar, has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding the transfer

LAHORE:  Punjab Assembly member from Jhang, Saqib Chadhar, has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding the transfer of Deputy Commissioner Jhang, rejecting claims that a Para Force vehicle seen in a viral video was part of his official protocol.

Speaking informally to journalists in the corridors of the Punjab Assembly, Chadhar clarified that the vehicle was not assigned to accompany him and was reportedly carrying out its own official duties at the time of the incident.

“The Para Force vehicle was not part of my protocol,” Chadhar said, according to accounts of his remarks shared by sources familiar with the interaction.

The controversy emerged after footage circulated on social media, prompting questions about the deployment of the vehicle during a rally and its possible connection with the subsequent transfer of the district’s deputy commissioner.

Chadhar maintained that the situation appeared to have resulted from a misunderstanding and called for a formal investigation to establish the facts. He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s presence should be examined before conclusions were drawn about any alleged misuse of official protocol.

According to eyewitness accounts and participants at the rally, representatives of the district administration were also present at the event. These reportedly included the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Enforcement Jhang.

Their presence has become part of the broader discussion about the administrative arrangements made for the rally and the responsibilities of officials involved in managing the event.

Sources in the Punjab Assembly said Chadhar made the remarks during an informal interaction with journalists. He also expressed the view that the chief minister of Punjab would have considered the relevant circumstances before making a decision regarding the transfer of the deputy commissioner.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with administrative developments confirmed that Deputy Commissioner Jhang had been transferred and a new officer appointed to the position. However, the official notification issued by the relevant authorities reportedly did not specify the reasons behind the transfer.

The absence of an explicitly stated reason in the notification has fuelled speculation on social media, where the administrative decision has been linked to the controversy surrounding the viral video.

Officials associated with the Commissioner Office Faisalabad are reportedly preparing a detailed inquiry report examining the rally, the deployment of the Para Force vehicle and the administrative arrangements in place during the event.

The inquiry is expected to help clarify the vehicle’s assigned duties and establish whether the arrangements followed the applicable administrative procedures.

Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office also indicated that no official statement had been issued confirming a direct connection between the viral footage and the deputy commissioner’s transfer.

Meanwhile, political circles in Jhang have described the controversy as having been amplified through social media discussions, with differing interpretations emerging before the completion of an official inquiry.

District administration sources said the relevant deployment records were being reviewed to determine the vehicle’s authorised assignment at the time of the rally.

The matter remains under scrutiny, and the reasons behind the transfer have not been officially established. Any conclusions regarding alleged protocol misuse or administrative responsibility will depend on the findings of the inquiry.