Following the imposition of Governor’s Rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a major reshuffle has been carried out in the provincial bureaucracy. Commissioners in six divisions, including Peshawar, have been replaced, while commissioners from four divisions have been removed from their posts and designated as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs).
Riaz Khan Mehsud has been removed from his position as Commissioner Peshawar as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration undergoes a major bureaucratic reshuffle. The reshuffle includes changes to the commissioners of several divisions, with some senior officers reportedly being transferred and assigned as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs).
Riaz Mehsud had faced criticism over allegations of political favouritism during his tenure. Critics questioned his alleged closeness to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and raised concerns about the separation of political interests from administrative responsibilities.
However, such allegations require independent verification. The controversy also drew attention to his family’s political connections. His father is reportedly a member of the Senate elected on a PTI ticket, while his brother has served as a PTI member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. These family connections, however, do not by themselves establish that he acted in favour of the party while holding public office.
Following the latest administrative changes, Khalid Mehmood has been appointed Commissioner Peshawar, while Riaz Khan Mehsud has reportedly been designated an OSD. Habibullah, the former Commissioner Mardan, has also reportedly been assigned as an OSD.
Other appointments reported as part of the reshuffle include Parvez Khattak, formerly Special Secretary Agriculture, as Commissioner Kohat, and Muhammad Ali Shah as Commissioner Mardan. Fahimullah, Director of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), has reportedly been appointed Commissioner Bannu, while Maskeen has been named Commissioner Malakand.
Zulfiqar Jawahar has reportedly been appointed Secretary Auqaf. Reports also mention the appointment of Shahidullah, previously associated with the Hazara division, as Commissioner Malakand, while Masood Ahmed has been directed to report for the position of Commissioner Upper.
The reshuffle marks a significant change in the province’s administrative structure following the imposition of Governor’s Rule. Further official confirmation is needed regarding some appointments, as the available details contain conflicting references to the commissioners of Mardan and Malakand.
Public office carries a responsibility to serve citizens impartially, regardless of political affiliations. The latest changes are likely to renew public discussion about administrative accountability, political influence and the role of the civil service in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.