A controversy has arisen regarding a recent announcement from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) after it was reported that a Grade 18 officer from Punjab was assigned to oversee a Grade 20 position within the civic organisation, raising concerns about the legality and transparency of this action.
The matter was brought to public attention when journalist Waseem Abbasi pointed out the appointment on social media, questioning how a Grade 18 officer could be directly appointed to a Grade 20 role in the CDA.
In a post on X, Waseem Abbasi stated that a grade 18 officer was given charge of Grade 20 post in CDA directly” and inquired about the feasibility of such an appointment.
The post, which featured an image of the official notification, rapidly gained popularity online, attracting thousands of views and igniting a broader discussion regarding compliance with civil service regulations.
The notification that was circulated online reads, “The Federal Government has been pleased to appoint Mr. Abdullah Khurram Niazi, a BS-18 Officer of PMS, Government of Punjab, presently posted as Director General (Environment), Capital Development Authority (CDA) on deputation, as Member (Environment), CDA, under the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, on acting charge basis, with immediate effect and until further orders.”
Critics say that assigning a Grade 20 position to an officer who is presently in Grade 18 seems to bypass established seniority and promotion protocols within the civil service system.
They argue that such appointments, if executed without clear legal rationale, could reduce morale among senior officers and raise alarms about favoritism or political influence in major appointments.
Social media users have expressed their concerns about how a junior officer could be directly assigned to a senior position within the authority.
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