ISLAMABAD : Qaiser Khan, A sitting Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of National Grid Company (NGC), erstwhile NTDC, who is OSD since months, has again approached the ” decision makers” for stoppage of his persecution as according to him, he has no-where to go.
In a letter to Lt. General, Zafar Iqbal, Commander Air Defence, Director General ISI and other concerned authorities, he has cited references of his earlier appeals starting from April 26, 2025.
According to the DMD NGC, he was made an officer on special duty without giving any reason then or later, nor any chance for a personal hearing was granted. OSD orders emphatically stated that “the position of DMD will be filled as per its due process” wherein a clear-cut decision was made there and then, without following any proceedings/explanations/reasons, (Giving charge on additional look after basis does not constitute “due process”), and so he was removed from his post, unceremoniously. The rule book of NGC has NO provision of the post of OSD, and so the orders were totally illegal. Subsequently, he appealed for the reason that the Board (of which MD NGC is a member) had given such decision in unison. He has no-where to go.
Realizing the mistake of orders of OSD, the Board changed those orders to suspension (2), again, without giving any reason. The guidelines for which are defined, as notified vide WAPDA Office Memorandum No. GM (A)/DD(R)/07456/3/82364-83483 dated 18th/20th June, 1988, as:
1. There must be a strong prima facie case against the delinquent.
2. If the offence is of such a serious nature that dismissal will be the probable punishment, or if the offender should not be allowed to perform his duties
pending case resolution, suspension is justified.
3. Unless there is a strong reason why the offender should not continue working until the case is decided, suspension should not be resorted to.
4. No one should be suspended for petty breaches of discipline or minor departmental offences.
5. Suspension should only occur under the following conditions: (i) willful and obstinate refusal to carry out an order(ii) retention in appointment would hamper or frustrate an ongoing inquiry ;(iii) the individual is in police custody ; and (iv) the person is charged with an offence that, if proven, would ordinarily result in dismissal.
” My case does not meet any of the prescribed criteria for suspension and OSD. There were no allegations, whatsoever at the time of suspension/OSD. Therefore, the action taken against me lacked legal justification, procedural fairness and so mala fide in intent,” he added.
Qaiser Khan further stated that in his response (2) he sought some clarification as to whether it was a case of embezzlement, fraud, fatal accident, bribes, equipment/lines damage or any other. Yet, the Board and the management failed to provide any explanation.
As per rules, suspensions are initially for three months only, during this time the competent authority is required to set up an inquiry committee, so that a case may be built against officer/official. However, no such step was taken, and he was left to the sole discretion of MD NGC, who by rank is lower to him being a GM and only on look after charge as MD. The promotion board held for his and other chiefs is challengeable as well. Any extension in suspension requires prior approval from the next higher authority, only if the inquiry requests for additional time.
Since, he had approached Commander Air Defence directly, for reason mentioned earlier, he was given an explanation letter (3) for approaching him and “other fora”. The other fora were later on revealed by MD NGC in media . (I am blamed for leaking letters to media).
He has reiterated that, the competent authority miserably failed to define the reasons of OSD and suspension orders that were issued.
He further stated that he had never leaked any information to media. nor have any knowledge of who has done it. Even in his personal hearing with MD NGC, he had given a statement on record that if it is a norm in offices to take oaths on Holy Quran, he is ready for that as well. Yet, the MD is adamant and repeating the same without any proof- on hearsay only.
The show cause later issued (4) is testament to the very fact. However, till this date no evidence had been put forth.
” I fail to understand the intellect of the powers that be, that instead of addressing the reasons for OSD/suspension; conducting an inquiry; they have started building their case on events after that! And those too on presumptions that I deny vehemently,” he said asking does that mean that management / board is free to persecute a person? And it constitutes to be a case of harassment. It clearly indicates a certain grudge that I am unaware of,” Khan said.
The letter further states that extension in suspension orders (5) were issued in violation of rules (6). Extension is required to let the inquiry committee complete its workings and that too will be allowed by the next higher authority, and that prior approval is necessary. Whereas, is in case; there is no inquiry or any inquiry committee; no prior approval.
” And sadly, the OSD period has been conveniently ignored as it would have added further to the incompetence and inability to understand and handle such cases. I humbly repeat my request to all offices, to please look into the matter and I appeal, that my persecution be stopped. Additionally, proper promotion orders be issued as per practice in vogue for the rest of ten thousand employees. Finally, I be exonerated of all charges and not discriminated against,” he concluded.
Ends
