Maryam Nawaz removes Jhelum DC after exam postponement sparks controversy
Jhelum DC removed after exam controversy
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz removed Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Mir Raza Ozgen from his post on Sunday. The action came after Computer Science papers for Intermediate students were postponed because of arrangements for her planned visit to the district on November 10.
The papers were part of the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2026 and were originally scheduled for November 10. The deputy commissioner had recommended delaying them because administrative and security staff would be busy with the chief minister’s visit.
In a letter to the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi, Ozgen said the deployment of officials could make it difficult to conduct the examinations smoothly. He requested a new date to avoid problems for students and ensure arrangements for the visit.
Maryam calls decision a disregard for her instructions
The decision also faced criticism on social media. Maryam later announced on X that the deputy commissioner was being removed with “immediate effect”.
She said she had clearly instructed officials not to cause any inconvenience or disruption to the public during her visits to different districts. She described the exam postponement as “a clear disregard for my directions”.
A notification shared by the chief minister confirmed that Ozgen had been transferred. It directed him to report to the Punjab Services and General Administration Department for further orders.
Intermediate exams restored to original date
Maryam also announced that the postponed Computer Science papers would now be held according to the original schedule. Students in Jhelum will take the examinations on Tuesday, November 10.
“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 on X.
The announcement reverses the earlier decision to move the papers to November 30. Students affected by the postponement will now have to follow the original examination schedule.
New instructions for security arrangements
In another post, Maryam directed regional and district police officers, commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure that businesses remain open during her visits. She said no market, shop or other business should be forced to suspend its activities because of her arrival.
She also ordered officials not to block residential streets or restrict the movement of local residents in the name of security. The chief minister said security arrangements should remain discreet and should not create difficulties for the public.
“Please ensure that all security measures are discreet and do not cause any inconvenience, disruption, or hardship to the general public,” she wrote. She added that the instructions must be “followed in letter and spirit”.
The controversy began when officials changed students’ examination schedule because of arrangements for a political visit. Maryam’s decision makes it clear that public activities and students’ exams should not be disrupted for such visits.
Also read: BISE postpones Jhelum exams due to Maryam Nawaz’s visit, check new dates
