ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has initiated an inquiry against Shay Mureed Baloch, the acting Secretary of the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), for allegedly engaging in ‘various forms of misconduct’.
The allegations include: tampering with job advertisements, issuing unlawful NoCs, and misusing authority. The ministry has asked the PSQCA to provide details about the alleged misuse of power by Baloch, who is also the Director (Administration) at the organization.
According to a letter sent to the Director General PSQCA and others concerned, the ministry has expressed concern that Baloch did not provide relevant documents to facilitate the inquiry committee constituted to probe and fix responsibilities in the matter of tampering with job advertisements, despite repeated reminders. The letter also stated that Baloch failed to take necessary action regarding the regularization case of Mr. Sher Ali, IT Manager of PSQCA, despite clear instruction from the competent authority.
The ministry further noted that Baloch authorized and issued an NOC for ex-Pakistan leaves in favor of Ms. Ghazia Ashfaq, a Stenographer at PSQCA, beyond his mandate and in violation of relevant rules and policies. The letter also stated that Baloch failed to convey the list of daily wagers and contract employees for consideration of regularization of their services, despite telephonic follow-ups and repeated reminders.
The ministry has called these acts of mismanagement, misuse, and abuse of authority, which fall within the ambit of misconduct. Baloch has been directed to explain his position within two days of receipt of the letter, failing which strict disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against him under the E&D, 1973.
Employees of the PSQCA recently shared a letter of complaint with the ministry’s high-ups, alleging that Baloch, an officer of the Ministry of Education in Balochistan, who has been posted to PSQCA on deputation as Deputy Director, was promoted to Director Administration by the DG PSQCA without getting approval from the Competent Authority, the Secretary MoST.
The employees further alleged that Baloch has made irregular appointments of contingent employees under the grade of BPS-1 to 10 and is involved in forged advertising for the recruitment process. They also claimed that Baloch is using operational double Cabin Official vehicles related to field inspection duties without authorization. The employees further alleged that Baloch has been involved in irregularities and misappropriation of funds in POL charges, repair and maintenance of vehicles, and building maintenance renovation of the office.
According to available documents, Baloch drew 2.5 million rupees on account of a House Building Loan from PSQCA without fulfilling the requisite formalities. As per the set rules, employees need to meet certain conditions before becoming eligible for such loans. However, Baloch has not submitted his Last Pay Certificate (LPC) in PSQCA, despite joining the organization in October 2022 on deputation.
As per documents available with this scribe, Baloch, with the approval of acting DG PSQCA Zainul Abedeen, has given Rs 118.843 million to at least 83 employees of the authority. However, the service length and various other rules set for qualifying for such loans have been violated.
