ISLAMABAD, March 29: Commenting on the statement of Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) chairman regarding the promotion procedure of civil servants, an official spokesman in a statement late Wednesday night said the Central Selection Board (CSB) is only a recommendatory body and the promotions can take effect only after the final approval of the chief executive i.e. the prime minister.

“The prime minister according to law has unfettered powers of agreeing or not agreeing with the recommendations of the board.” The recommendatory body cannot take over the prerogative of the chief executive to make appointments, as he alone is the competent authority under the law to make such appointments. The law ministry has already given a clear opinion on the subject affirming this position, he added.

He said the government curtailed the tenure of the chairman and the members of the FPSC through legislation last year. Contrary to the Civil Service Conduct, the FPSC chairman opted to appeal before the highest court of law.

The court after a detailed hearing rejected his appeal and the chairman “in desperation and frustration is now hurling accusations on the chief executive which are absolutely uncalled for and unethical”.

The spokesman further said after the curtailment of tenure, the FPSC chairman did not hold even a single meeting of the CSB, which caused damage to career officers who lost opportunity of promotions and retired during the process, which is against the recognized practice of regular promotion meetings held by the board.

The spokesman said the prime minister had not violated any rule or procedure but had always acted in accordance with the provision of law.