ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General has raised objection over the appointment and promotion of National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) director law and recommended that it be investigated how he was inducted despite the fact there was no post lying vacant.

According to the audit report for the fiscal year 2023-2024, Muneeb Ashraf Cheema, who was removed from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in connection with dataleaks of retired Lt-Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa, was appointed in violation of the rules.

As per the rules, “the candidate for initial appointment must possess the qualification and experience and must be within the age limit laid down for the post by the authority.”

The candidate also required verification of his credential and his appointment is subject to security clearance.

The audit noted the discrepancies in the recruitment process according to which “original advertisement in newspaper was not made. Only computer generated advertisement print was available in relevant file provided to audit”.

It pointed out that “merit list was not prepared by the HR department which showed that the appointment was made in a non-transparent manner at the time of hiring when no vacant position existed.”

The audit further revealed that “organogram of legal department and vacancy position were not available at the time of hiring and the file was not complete in respect of other competitors’ datasheet and documents.”

The report says that in the minutes of the meeting held on Feb 17, 2023 “four candidates were shortlisted for interview out of 84 applicants. The bio data of the remaining candidates was not found in the relevant file.

“The minimum age limit as per criteria mentioned against the post was 35 years, but the officer’s age at the time of appointment was 39 years,” it added.

The audit concluded that the appointment was made on “pick and choose” basis, adding that the officer was drawing higher salary and availing perks beyond of his entitlement.

“Audit is of the view that appointment of the officer was made in a non-transparent manner” and recommended the investigation to fix responsibility of the officials concerned.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2024