During the investigation into a wheat import scandal, Syed Waseem ul Hassan, an officer without involvement in the wheat affairs, was mistakenly suspended. His role primarily focused on smaller crops, pulses, and legumes.
The error emerged after an investigative committee wrongfully recommended his suspension, naming him ‘Food Commissioner Two’ when his actual title was ‘Food Commissioner One.’
Further investigation revealed that from October 2023 to March 2024, Waseem ul Hassan served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Ministry of Food Security, detached from any decisions related to wheat imports. This misidentification in the suspension letter points to a significant oversight.
Waseem ul Hassan has since petitioned the federal government to rectify the mistake and reinstate him, emphasizing the unjust impact of the suspension on his 31-year career and his health as a heart patient.
The incident has highlighted concerns about procedural accuracy within government operations and raised questions regarding the robustness of accountability mechanisms in managing national food security issues.
