Senior Journalist Gulzar Khan Criticizes Arrest of Education CEO as Politically Motivated, Citing Grave Procedural Violations

RAWALPINDI — Prominent senior journalist and Education analyst Khan Gulzar has strongly criticized the recent arrest of former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Education Authority, Aman Ullah Khan, calling the move “legally flawed” and “politically suspect.” Gulzar, known for his in-depth reporting on Punjab’s education system, spoke to the media after Khan’s court hearing, where the official was sent to jail on judicial remand following the court’s refusal to grant additional physical remand to the anti-corruption department.

Khan, a Grade-19 officer, was arrested along with alleged associate Arshad Mehmood on corruption charges. However, Gulzar questioned the integrity of the case, pointing out multiple violations of legal and administrative procedure during the arrest.

“They didn’t inform the Deputy Commissioner or obtain approval from the Additional Secretary before arresting a senior officer,” Gulzar stated. “He was taken from the education department office like a common man. This is not how the law treats Grade-19 officers.”

The seasoned journalist also condemned the timing and method of the arrest. According to Gulzar, the arrest took place on a Saturday evening, while the First Information Report (FIR) was registered the following day — a sequence he described as a “strange spectacle” that defied logic and protocol.

Gulzar’s criticism extended to the broader handling of the case by the anti-corruption department. He argued that investigators appeared unprepared, as they were still requesting more time to recover essential evidence, such as a laptop and iPad. “How do you detain someone without gathering the primary evidence first?” he asked.

What has raised further suspicions, according to Gulzar, is the timing of Khan’s transfer and reinstatement shortly before his arrest. “If he was genuinely involved in corruption, why was he reinstated just days earlier? Either he was competent and deserved his post, or someone wanted him placed back before bringing him down,” Gulzar said, suggesting the move was more than just administrative.

While acknowledging that complaints against Aman Ullah Khan had surfaced previously, Gulzar insisted that due process must be upheld. “A Grade-19 officer cannot be labeled guilty until a proper inquiry proves so. You can’t tear down someone’s career without evidence.”

In light of these developments, Gulzar called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to order an independent and transparent inquiry into the matter. He emphasized that the case, as currently handled, not only undermines the credibility of anti-corruption efforts but also casts serious doubt on the Punjab government’s claims of good governance.

“This is about justice, not just one official. If the government is sincere about transparency, it must ensure accountability is carried out within the bounds of law,” he concluded.