ISLAMABAD: Despite multiple advertisements and interview sessions, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has struggled to finalise the appointment of a regular head of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), an attached department of the ministry.

Though the interview process had nearly been completed a few months ago, it was abruptly halted for unknown reasons and fresh interviews of over 40 candidates were conducted on September 19 and 20, leaving many candidates perplexed as to why the ministry had been unable to fill the critical position.

Sources within the ministry claim that political considerations have repeatedly obstructed the appointment process whereas some candidates with a history of irregularities were being considered for the post.

Among these included the two candidates who had previously worked at PSQCA, including Dr H.U. Khan and Masood Abbas Rizvi but both of them have had controversial tenures.

Dr H.U. Khan, who previously held the position of DG PSQCA on an acting basis, was involved in overseeing a controversial promotion of employees from lower grades to Grade 19.

These promotions were later nullified due to violations of established rules.

Dr Khan has also faced multiple dismissals in several departments of the ministry including Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF).

He was compulsorily retired in 2016, he then lost his case in 2017, and an appeal in 2018 was turned down by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

While the IHC’s ruling can only be overturned by the Supreme Court, he was appointed back after an inquiry during the previous PTI -led government.

Whereas Masood Abbas Rizvi has held the position of deputy DG Finance at PSQCA, and he too was removed from service for his alleged involvement in financial irregularities.

He has faced similar charges during his service in other departments too.

Among the shortlisted candidates included former PNAC director general Ismat Gul Khattak, who also held acting charge as PSQCA director general; Akhtar Bugyo, DG Pakistan Halal Authority, and Dr Shehzad Afzal, the newly appointed DG of the South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) and currently posted in Nepal.

Incidentally the matter of appointing a new director general for PSQCA remains pending in the Islamabad High Court.

The PSQCA is responsible for maintaining and implementing standards across industries in Pakistan.

The chosen candidate will be responsible for steering the development and enforcement of quality standards, contributing to Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, consumer safety and international trade.

The selection process underscores the significance of the role, and the appointment is eagerly awaited by both government and industry stakeholders.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024