CM Maryam sacks Jhelum DC for postponing exams as part of her visit arrangements

Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has removed Jhelum Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mir Raza Ozgen after the district administration postponed intermediate computer science papers scheduled for November 10 as part of arrangements for her visit.

The computer science papers for the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 were deferred on the recommendation of the now-removed DC, who cited the deployment of administrative and security personnel for the chief minister’s scheduled visit to the district.

In a letter to the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Ozgen wrote that it was “not feasible to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the said examination in the district”.

He requested that the board rescheduled the paper to avoid inconvenience to students and ensure the smooth conduct of both the examination and the VVIP visit.

The decision drew criticism on social media, prompting CM Maryam to announce Ozgen’s removal with “immediate effect” in a post on X on Sunday.

She said that she had given “explicit instructions that no inconvenience or disruption whatsoever should be caused to the public” during her visit to any district.

“This is a clear disregard for my directions,” she added.

CM Maryam also announced that the postponed examination would take place on November 10, in line with the original schedule.

“Notwithstanding any acts of foolishness or misplaced over-smartness on part of the district administration, the examinations shall be held strictly in accordance with the original schedule, i.e. Tuesday, 10th November,” she posted.

BISE subsequently withdrew its order to reschedule the paper and confirmed that the examination would proceed as originally planned.

In another post, the chief minister directed regional and district police officers, commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure that no market, shop, business or other establishment was closed for her visits.

She also instructed officials not to block or seal residential streets or restrict residents’ movement “under the pretext of security arrangements”.

“Please ensure that all security measures are discreet and do not cause any inconvenience, disruption, or hardship to the general public,” she wrote, adding that the instructions must be “followed in letter and spirit”.