Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Removes Jhelum DC After Intermediate Exam Postponement

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has removed the deputy commissioner of Jhelum, Mir Raza Ozgen, from his position after intermediate computer science examinations in the district were postponed ahead of a scheduled visit by the chief minister, according to officials.

The Computer Science papers for the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 were originally set for November 10. The Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) later moved both the morning and evening papers in Jhelum district to November 30, citing the deputy commissioner's recommendation and administrative arrangements connected to the chief minister's visit.

The postponement drew public criticism, prompting a sharp response from Maryam Nawaz. She said she had already directed officials to ensure that her district visits did not inconvenience residents or disrupt routine activities, and described the delay as a violation of those instructions. She ordered Ozgen's removal with immediate effect.

The Punjab government subsequently transferred the officer and directed him to report to the Services and General Administration Department for further orders. Asma Ijaz, a BS-19 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, has been posted as the new deputy commissioner of Jhelum.

The chief minister also instructed authorities to hold the affected examinations on their original date of Tuesday, November 10, reversing the earlier board decision. The postponement had applied only to Jhelum district, while examinations in other districts under BISE Rawalpindi were set to proceed as scheduled.

Maryam Nawaz criticised what she called the district administration's misplaced approach and said students should not face disruption because of arrangements for her visits. She issued broader directions to commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional police officers and district police officers across Punjab, telling them not to close markets, shops or businesses, and not to seal residential streets or restrict residents' movement for security reasons. She said security measures should remain discreet and should not cause unnecessary trouble for the public.