Abrupt Transfer Sparks Criticism in Mohmand
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has transferred Deputy Commissioner Arshad Mansoor from Mohmand district less than a month after his appointment, replacing him with Capt (Retd) Bilal Shahid Rao. The sudden move has drawn sharp criticism from local residents, tribal elders, and civil society members, who argue that frequent transfers undermine administrative continuity and weaken governance in the merged tribal districts.
Mansoor was appointed as deputy commissioner of Mohmand just weeks ago. His transfer, without any official explanation from the provincial government, has fueled speculation. A Facebook post by Mansoor following the transfer—'I leave my decision to Allah'—further added to the uncertainty surrounding the decision.
Concerns Over Administrative Stability
Local tribal elders and civil society members expressed disappointment, stating that such frequent changes disrupt development work and service delivery. 'The government should ensure stability in the merged districts to improve governance and accelerate development,' said a tribal elder, speaking on condition of anonymity. Residents noted that Mansoor had too little time to understand the district's challenges or initiate any meaningful work.
New Deputy Commissioner Expected to Focus on Public Service
The new deputy commissioner, Capt (Retd) Bilal Shahid Rao, is expected to assume charge soon. Residents expressed hope that Rao would prioritize public service, strengthen coordination with local communities, and promote development in Mohmand. The provincial government has not issued any statement regarding the reasons for Mansoor's transfer or the timeline for Rao's assumption of duties.
