Science Ministry Resends Controversial Summary for Appointment of DG PSQCA

The delay in appointing a regular head for the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has once again been raised in the National Assembly, prompting the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to resend a controversial summary of candidates to the Establishment Division despite strong reservations.

According to insiders, the ministry appears intent on appointing a contentious candidate, against whom formal complaints have been registered.

It has reportedly forwarded the same summary in an apparent attempt to push through the appointment of its preferred candidate.

During a recent session of the National Assembly, concerns were raised about the prolonged vacancies in key positions, including that of the PSQCA Director General (DG).

Previously, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Science and Technology had emphasized the urgent need for a permanent DG, citing the necessity of stable leadership for the efficient functioning of the authority.

However, sources claim that delays have persisted due to attempts to appoint a candidate who does not meet the required qualifications and experience for the post.

Secretary of MoST, Sajid Baloch, informed the Senate Committee on Science and Technology that the summary regarding the long-overdue appointment has been submitted for approval and is expected to be finalized soon.

Reports indicate that the summary was prepared on the same day that interviews were conducted, on September 20, 2024.

This marks the fourth round of interviews for the DG position in recent years, yet no final decision has been reached. Several candidates have expressed serious concerns over the suitability of the shortlisted individuals, claiming that none of the three recommended candidates meet the qualification and experience requirements under the MP-I scale policy for this highly technical role.

Qualified candidates, who were previously considered front-runners and shortlisted for cabinet approval, have been overlooked in the latest selection process. Despite multiple advertisements and interview rounds, the ministry has struggled to finalize the appointment. Insiders allege that political influence has played a role in the selection process, leading to legal challenges and forcing the ministry to assign temporary ‘look-after’ charges to officials.

A previous interview process that was nearing completion a few months ago was unexpectedly halted without explanation. Subsequently, fresh interviews involving over 40 candidates were conducted on September 19 and 20, 2024, without canceling the results of the prior interview round. This move has left many candidates confused about the ministry’s indecisiveness in filling the crucial position.

Sources within the ministry suggest that political considerations have repeatedly obstructed the appointment process. Concerns have also been raised that some candidates under consideration have histories of irregularities, illegal appointments, promotions, and financial misappropriations.

The three candidates proposed for the DG PSQCA position are Dr. H.U. Khan, Muhammad Farooq, and Zain ul Abidin. Among them, Dr. H.U. Khan has a particularly allegedly controversial record. During his tenure as acting DG at PSQCA, he oversaw employee promotions to Grade 19 that were later nullified due to violations of established rules. Additionally, he has faced multiple dismissals from the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), including a compulsory retirement in 2016.

His appeal against the dismissal was rejected by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with the ruling standing unless overturned by the Supreme Court.

Another candidate, Zain ul Abidin, who previously held the ‘look-after’ charge of DG PSQCA, reportedly lacks the required qualifications and experience for the position. Despite the inclusion of these controversial figures, many of the shortlisted candidates lack the essential expertise in standardization—a key requirement for leading a technical organization like PSQCA.

Notable candidates who were excluded from the shortlist include former DG of the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), Ismat Gul Khattak, and Akhtar Bugyo, DG of the Pakistan Halal Authority. Additionally, Dr. Shehzad Afzal, Director at PSQCA and recently appointed DG of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) after winning a regional competition, was also not shortlisted.

It is important to note that the appointment of a new DG for PSQCA is still pending adjudication in the Islamabad High Court.

Documents reveal that MoST announced the interview schedule for the DG position (MP-I Scale) under the Management Position Scales Policy 2020. The Selection Committee, chaired by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, includes the Secretary of MoST, Additional Secretary-II of the Establishment Division, and the Senior Joint Secretary (Administration) as members. Additionally, Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi, Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), was co-opted onto the committee.

The interviews, conducted on September 19 and 20, 2024, at the ministry’s headquarters in Islamabad, saw 42 candidates vying for the position.

The DG position at PSQCA is of immense significance, as the authority is responsible for maintaining and implementing standards across industries in Pakistan. The appointed candidate will play a crucial role in developing and enforcing quality standards, impacting industrial competitiveness, consumer safety, and international trade.

The ongoing controversy underscores the high stakes involved in the appointment process, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting a resolution. The ministry has reiterated its commitment to selecting a candidate based on merit to ensure the effective leadership of PSQCA.