Latest news with #AmanullahCheema
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Warrants revoked in housing case
An accountability court has granted physical remand of the three men till January 29. PHOTO: An Accountability Court (AC) on Wednesday canceled the non-bailable arrest warrants issued for the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Islamabad and Haripur in the Bankers City housing scheme case, while upholding the warrant against the Rawalpindi DC. In a separate embezzlement case, a civil judge rejected a request to extend the physical remand of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Education Authority (DEA) and a co-accused cashier. Both were ordered to be sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand. Meanwhile, Civil Judge Waqar Ahmed Sidhu rejected the Anti-Corruption Establishment's (ACE) request for a three-day extension of the physical remand of former DEA CEO Amanullah Cheema and cashier Arshad Mahmood, who are accused in a corruption case involving Rs. 8 million. The court instead remanded them to Adiala Jail and ordered their production again on July 3. The investigating officer was directed to submit the charge sheet by the next hearing date. The accused were presented before the court following the conclusion of a two-day physical remand.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Ex-education authority chief held for 'corruption'
Officials from the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) formally arrested the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rawalpindi District Education Authority, Amanullah Cheema, 19 hours after being taken into custody in connection with an embezzlement case. The department's cashier, Arshad, was also arrested as a co-accused in the case. Despite being a Grade-19 senior officer, Cheema was reportedly arrested in a humiliating and unprofessional manner, dragged from a basic office without a registered FIR. Initially, he was detained based only on a plain-paper inquiry request. An FIR was registered 18 hours later, allegedly after internal manoeuvring. Due to the delay in filing the FIR, no physical remand could be sought on Sunday, and the authorities had to cancel their decision to present him before the duty judge. Now, both accused are set to appear before the special Anti-Corruption Court (ATC) today (Monday) to request physical remand. The absence of an FIR and the manner of arrest have caused resentment and unrest among education officers, principals, and headmasters. No one was allowed to meet the arrested officials until Sunday. Even when District and Tehsil Education Officers visited the Anti-Corruption office to inquire about the matter, the investigating officer prevented their meeting and began questioning them about corruption-related issues as well. The entire Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Department team remained active through Saturday night and all day Sunday, searching the offices of the Education Department, including the CEO's office. They turned over drawers, shelves, and files but reportedly found no concrete evidence. Still, they confiscated all files and records from the CEO's office and took them away for further scrutiny. Cheema faces allegations of embezzling Rs8 million, primarily for purchasing furniture and stationery without following tender procedures, allegedly causing a loss to the public exchequer. In response, a legal team of senior lawyers has been assembled to defend the former officer. During the inquiry that continued from Saturday night through Sunday (10am to 2pm), the arrested education officer categorically denied all charges. Meanwhile, a new CEO has arrived from Sheikhupura to take over responsibilities in Rawalpindi. He formally assumed official charge on Sunday and is expected to take administrative charge at the office today (Monday). This arrest is expected to lead to major political, administrative, and financial revelations in the coming days.
Express Tribune
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Enrolment drive struggles to meet targets
The Punjab Education Department's ongoing enrolment campaign in government schools has received a lukewarm response, with limited progress towards meeting its target due to a delayed start and the privatisation of state schools. The campaign officially began on March 1 in government schools across Punjab, including Rawalpindi district, with the first phase scheduled to conclude by May 31. During this phase, each class is tasked with enrolling 20 students. However, the campaign has not yet made significant strides in reaching its goals. The delay in the enrolment process, which started later than anticipated, meant that many parents had already enrolled their children in local schools by early February. Additionally, the privatisation of 500 government schools across Punjab, including those in Rawalpindi, has further hampered efforts to attract new enrolments. Many parents are now hesitant to send their children to government or larger private schools due to the country's prevailing conditions. Consequently, local community schools have seen a surge in enrolment. These neighbourhood schools charge monthly fees ranging from Rs500 to Rs1,000, making them more accessible for families. Mothers often personally drop off and pick up their children from these schools, as parents are increasingly unwilling to send their children to schools farther from home, especially for children up to grade 4. The privatisation of government schools has also led to an increase in dropout rates from public institutions. Irfan Muzaffar Kiyani, President of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA), says the number of out-of-school children in Punjab has reached 290,000 in the ongoing year, with this figure expected to surpass three million by the end of the year. Currently, 11.9 million children are enrolled in government schools, while 22.5 million students attend private schools, he adds. The lower fees in private institutions have attracted a significant number of students, with private school enrolment starting on February 1. Amanullah Cheema, the Chief Executive of the District Education Authority (DHA) Rawalpindi, highlighted at the official launch of the enrolment campaign that the government is offering quality education, free textbooks, and a conducive learning environment. He expressed confidence that the enrolment targets would be met and that the campaign would be carried out with full dedication. Leaders of teachers' organisations, including Shahid Mubarak, Basharat Iqbal Raja, and Shafique Bhalwalia, emphasized that government school teachers are highly qualified, holding PhD, MPhil, and Master's degrees, and urged parents to consider enrolling their children in government schools.
