Bureaucrats Protest Against Racist Remarks by Punjab MPA

Senior bureaucrats from the Federal and Punjab governments have voiced strong objections to derogatory remarks made by a Punjab Assembly Member (MPA) during a recent session, reported Pakistan Observer.

The MPA’s anger allegedly stemmed from actions taken by former Secretary of Mines and Minerals Babar Aman Babar, a BPS-20 PAS officer, who had ordered an inquiry into the theft of valuable minerals, defying political pressure.

The issue escalated when Babar refused to bow to pressure, prompting the MPA to file a privilege motion in the Assembly against him. During the session, another MPA reportedly referred to Babar and other secretaries as “Kalay Angraiz ki Aulaad” (Children of Black Englishmen), an insult that left Babar and his colleagues deeply offended.

Federal Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, and other officials expressed dismay, labeling the remarks as “racist and hostile.” A Grade-19 officer told Pakistan Observer, “We’re deeply hurt by such provocations; we are committed public servants who expect respect.”

Many bureaucrats are now looking to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to address the incident, believing she supports integrity among officers. Punjab’s Chief Secretary has conveyed their grievances to the Chief Minister, urging swift action.

Sources note that Babar, known for his high ethical standards and achievements over two decades, had faced resistance from influential groups unhappy with his strict stance against corruption, reported Pakistan Observer.