PESHAWAR: The appointment of Project Director for Rs40 billion solarisation project of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has turned into a controversy, as the position has been changed for the third time within a single month, raising serious questions about transparency and governance. According to sources, the latest appointment has once again been made in alleged violation of rules and regulations. The criteria for the Project Director clearly required at least twelve years of experience in the solar energy sector. However, the newly appointed officer reportedly does not meet this key requirement, triggering concerns within official and technical circles.
Earlier, Engineer Pir Aimal had been appointed as Project Director Solarisation, but he was abruptly removed from the position. He had been posted to the Energy Department on a three-year deputation from the Planning and Development Department, but his deputation was terminated within just one month. He has now been directed to report back to his parent department.
Meanwhile, as per official documents, under Human Resource Management and Administration Department Notification No. SO(E-I)/HRM&AD/6-526/2026 dated April 6, 2026, the services of Muhammad Kamran Khan (PMS, BS-18) have been placed at the disposal of Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) on a deputation basis.
Frequent changes in such a key position, along with alleged violations of eligibility criteria, have raised serious concerns about the transparency of the project and its timely execution. Experts warn that instability and non-merit-based decisions in a mega project of this scale could lead to inefficiencies and potential misuse of public funds.
An official rejected the allegations of rule violations, stating that the chief minister, as the competent authority, had approved the posting. He did not comment on the appointment and abrupt removal of Pir Aimal. It is pertinent to note that BPS-17 officer Pir Aimal was posted to a BPS-20 position of Project Director, in violation of rules and regulations.
