KP Govt Promotes Security Guard to Sub Engineer on Stopgap Basis: Full Details, Rules & Public Reaction

Introduction

A recent office order from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department has triggered a major controversy across Pakistan. According to the notification, a security guard (Operator-cum-Chowkidar) has been assigned the charge of Sub Engineer in PHE Division Tank, raising serious concerns about rules violations, merit, public safety, and governance standards.

The issue has gone viral on social media, with citizens, engineers, and civil servants questioning how a non-technical staff member can be given a technical engineering role, even temporarily. This article explains the matter in simple English, covering what happened, why it matters, legal rules, public reaction, and broader implications.

What Happened in KP Public Health Engineering Department?

On 16 December 2025, an official notification was issued from Peshawar by the KP Public Health Engineering Department. The order states that:

• Anwar Sadaat, working as Operator-cum-Chowkidar (security guard)
• Attached to Executive Engineer, PHE Division Tank
• Has been authorized to work as Sub Engineer
• On a stopgap arrangement, in addition to his existing duties
• With immediate effect, till further orders

The order claims the decision was made “in the best public interest”.

Why Is This Decision Controversial?

The controversy exists because Sub Engineer is a technical post, while Chowkidar or Operator is a support staff role.

Key Reasons for the Controversy

• Sub Engineer posts require technical diplomas
• Engineering roles involve supervision of infrastructure
• PHE handles water supply and sanitation projects
• Wrong decisions can risk public health and safety
• The move appears to bypass qualified diploma engineers

This decision is being seen as a clear violation of merit-based recruitment.

What Is the Role of a Sub Engineer in PHE?

A Sub Engineer (Civil/Mechanical) in the PHE Department usually performs the following duties:

• Supervising water supply schemes
• Monitoring sanitation and sewerage projects
• Checking technical drawings and site measurements
• Ensuring quality control of public works
• Coordinating with contractors and engineers

This role cannot be performed without technical education or training.

Required Qualification for Sub Engineer in KP

Normally, a Sub Engineer must have:

• DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering)
• Relevant field experience
• Appointment through KPPSC or departmental rules
• Technical knowledge of civil or mechanical systems

Assigning this role to a security guard is why professionals are alarmed.

What Is a “Stopgap Arrangement” in Government?

A stopgap arrangement means a temporary assignment until a regular appointment is made.

However:

• Stopgap does not override qualification rules
• Temporary arrangements must still follow service laws
• Non-technical staff cannot legally perform technical duties

Experts argue that stopgap is being misused in this case.

Reaction from Engineers and Civil Servants

Many engineers and bureaucrats have openly criticized the move.

Common Concerns Raised

• Undermining professional engineers
• Demoralizing qualified diploma holders
• Risking poor-quality infrastructure
• Setting a dangerous precedent
• Political or personal influence behind the order

Several engineers say such decisions damage the credibility of government institutions.

Social Media Reaction and Public Response

After the notification surfaced online:

• The order went viral on X (Twitter) and Facebook
• Citizens called it “mockery of merit”
• Engineers shared screenshots with criticism
• Many demanded immediate cancellation

The case is now being cited as an example of how rules are bent under pressure from high-ups.

Has KP Government Issued Any Explanation?

As of now:

• ❌ No detailed explanation from KP Government
• ❌ No clarification from PHE Department
• ❌ No inquiry announcement

Only the language of the office order has been provided, which has further fueled criticism.

Legal and Administrative Issues Involved

This case raises serious legal questions:

Possible Rule Violations

• KP Civil Servants Act
• Departmental service rules
• Engineering cadre regulations
• Public procurement and safety standards

Legal experts say the order may not survive judicial scrutiny if challenged.

Impact on Public Safety and Infrastructure

PHE handles critical services, including:

• Drinking water schemes
• Rural water supply
• Sanitation infrastructure
• Public health facilities

An unqualified person supervising such projects could lead to:

• Faulty construction
• Water contamination
• Project delays
• Financial losses

This is why public interest arguments are being rejected by professionals.

Broader Issue: Merit vs Influence in Pakistan

This case highlights a wider problem in Pakistan’s bureaucracy:

• Political interference
• Favoritism
• Ignoring qualification criteria
• Misuse of stopgap arrangements

Experts warn that if such practices continue, institutional collapse and public distrust will increase.

What Can Happen Next?

Possible outcomes include:

• Withdrawal of the notification
• Internal departmental inquiry
• Media pressure forcing clarification
• Court challenge by engineers
• Transfer of responsibility back to qualified staff

Public pressure is expected to play a key role.

Conclusion

The promotion of a security guard to Sub Engineer in KP’s Public Health Engineering Department has sparked nationwide debate about merit, governance, and accountability. While the order claims to serve public interest, experts believe it endangers professional standards and public safety.

Until a clear explanation is provided, this case will remain a symbol of flawed administrative practices that undermine trust in government institutions.

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