ISLAMABAD: Concerns have arisen regarding the Ministry of Science and Technology’s selection process for the Director General position at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
In a written complaint, Dr. Shahzad Afzal, an acclaimed expert in standardization, has raised significant concerns about alleged “irregularities and deviations” from established policies in the appointment procedure.
Dr. Afzal’s complaint, dated December 28, 2022, and addressed to the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, highlights the Ministry’s failure to address logical discrepancies in the DG PSQCA position’s advertisement. This led to the selection of candidates with questionable qualifications and experience.
He also emphasized the violation of the Management Position Scales Policy 2020 during the selection board interviews, chaired by the Federal Secretary, raising concerns about nepotism and misuse of power.
The list of interviewed candidates further reveals a disregard for merit, as some lacked essential experience in standardization. Despite Dr. Afzal’s 28 years of experience and accolades in the field, candidates with inferior qualifications seemed favored.
Moreover, the advertisement’s failure to align with the Minimum Pay Scale Policy 2020 raises questions about the Ministry’s commitment to transparency. Dr. Afzal demands justice, including the cancellation of the ongoing interview process, an independent inquiry against the Federal Secretary’s conduct, and a fair selection procedure adhering to established policies.
This exposé illuminates systemic flaws in the Ministry’s recruitment process, emphasizing the necessity for accountability and adherence to policies in such critical appointments.
Efforts to contact the Secretary of MoST for comment remained unanswered.
