Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the immediate dismissal of Jhang Deputy Commissioner Babar Sahib Din after a vehicle belonging to the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) was seen being used during the three-day Jhang Thal Jeep Rally, which ended last week.

A video posted on social media showed a PERA vehicle driving alongside other rally cars, prompting the chief minister to act.

On X, Maryam Nawaz said using government assets for activities not related to official duties breaches administrative discipline and established policies. She denied that the vehicle was used for security or rescue, noting that police handle security and Rescue 1122 handles emergencies.

The chief minister questioned why a PERA vehicle was employed for tasks beyond the authority's legal scope.

Following her directive, the Punjab Services and General Administration Department issued a notification on Sunday confirming the transfer of Babar Sahib Din on the governor's orders and instructed him to report to the department for further guidance.

Jhang District Information Officer Riaz Marth said the rally was organized with private sponsor support and had received praise from provincial officials.

Maryam Nawaz also posted an October 21 letter from PERA Director General Farrukh Atiq Khan, which ordered deputy commissioners and chairpersons of District Enforcement and Regulatory Boards to probe the unauthorized use of PERA vehicles.

The letter warned that double-cabin vehicles meant solely for PERA field work were being misused, citing instances where deputy commissioners assigned them to assistant deputy commissioners against policy. The director general directed officials to retrieve all vehicles being used without permission.