April 22, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 15, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 21: Two top bureaucrats are being considered for the post of Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) left vacant after the ministry of culture did not extend the contract of Naeem Tahir.

Insiders said the names of Athar Tahir and Mehtab Rashdi were being considered for the post.

Athar Tahir at present is Secretary Transport Punjab and has been the curator for international exhibitions held in Lahore from time to time. He has also written some books on calligraphy and landscape of Pakistan and is considered as a supporter of conventional art - a trait which has kept him not so popular among those attached to the contemporary trends in art.

Mehtab Rashdi has been the director general and secretary Culture Sindh. She has also served as a TV anchor.

Sources also said the new culture minister was interested in choosing someone for the slot from within the PNCA having relevant experience and on the basis of seniority.

Additional Secretary Culture Ministry Shahnaz Hamid is currently holding the additional charge of the post.

Mr Tahir has been officially asked to leave at a time when a mysterious air is blowing through the capital and consultants and contractual top officials are certain about anything but their employment security.

Mr Tahir joined the PNCA in 2005 on a two-year’s contract in MP-1 Grade. Later, his term was extended for another year till March, 2008.

However, the ministry of culture refused to give him further extension soon after he organised the Beijing Olympic Torch ceremony in the capital on

April 16.