KARACHI: Many key officials, who were working in independent information technology funds and companies established by the government, have been sidelined for being a hurdle in the way of misuse of funds, hiring on political grounds and approval of controversial projects.
These officials, whose efforts have made IT a $2 billion industry, have been removed by Federal IT and Telecom Secretary Farooq Ahmed Awan, which sets a perfect example of how bureaucracy can sink a high-growth industry, say sources.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Information Technology Report 2012, Pakistan’s IT industry has dropped to 102 – down by 14 points – in global ranking of 142 countries. Government’s lack of efficiency and poor governance have been cited as main reasons for the decline in ranking.
The officials targeted held key positions in the Universal Service Fund (USF), Information and Communications Technology Research and Development (ICT R&D) Fund and other autonomous telecom bodies.
USF and ICT R&D Fund have Rs43 billion and Rs4 billion in their accounts respectively. These were established under the Companies Ordinance 1984 to expedite government projects because bureaucratic methods were slow, but bureaucratic interference in day-to-day affairs kills the very purpose, an official of the ICT R&D Fund said.
“Awan is trying to run the show himself, he doesn’t want people telling him about the rules and regulations of the company,” said a USF official who asked not to be named.
The Express Tribune, in its May 17 edition, reported that the IT ministry had allegedly misused Rs120 million of USF money in a media campaign. In this regard, some members of the USF board also wrote to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), asking it to start an investigation.
Within days, Awan directed USF chief Riaz Ashar Siddiqui to send Asif Kamal, USF GM and a board member, on forced leave, sources said. However, a majority of board members opposed Kamal’s removal and restored him in a board meeting, which the chairman (Awan) didn’t attend.
When asked, CEO Siddiqui said he took the action on the instruction of Awan, but stressed that as a CEO he was empowered to take such a decision.
A March 29 circular issued by IT Ministry Joint Secretary Raashid Bashir Mazari is one example of interference in autonomous IT bodies like Telecom Foundation, USF, ICT R&D Fund, Pakistan Software Export Board and National Telecom Corporation (NTC).
The circular directed heads of these companies to seek prior approval of the IT secretary before holding any official meetings. It also asked them to send deliberations of the meetings to the secretary for examination.
In protest, Syed Aun Abbas, CEO ICT R&D Fund at that time, resigned terming the circular undue interference.
While Abbas preferred resignation, others suffered for standing against Awan. Ismail Shah, Member Telecom IT Ministry, was another official sent on forced leave, according to sources. The ministry served him a show-cause notice levelling some charges. However, he got a stay order from the Islamabad High Court.
The list doesn’t end here. Awan has terminated the services of Brig (retd) Younus, Chairman NTC; Mudassir Hussain, Director Telecom; Salman Elahi Malik, CEO Pak Datacom and Aamir Mateen, member board ICT R&D Fund, officials confirmed.
When IT Secretary Awan was emailed a questionnaire on July 2 about the removal of officials, he did not answer the queries except those about Pak Datacom CEO Salman Malik. The board of directors removed Malik unanimously, Awan said, denying the decision was influenced by him.
Giving the reason, nearly half a dozen officials said these people held key positions in their companies and had questioned Awan before approving any project.
Citing a case of interference, an official said the board formed a sub-committee to appoint new CEO after Abbas resigned. It advertised the post and shortlisted candidates but Awan stopped the process.
In another case, the official said, Awan has appointed around 30 people in USF in the last six months based on political links.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2012.
COMMENTS (22)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
This secretary is crossing limits... I have had enought about him.. first the CIA scandel, then the Inida recovery scandal and now this... Why doesn't someone take him to court? I am thinking of filing a petition against him..
A few days ago, Raja Rental was the Minister of IT.
@Analyzer! You wrote "paindu"???
The story was about bureaucracy and you brought Racisim here. Is this is your "Analysis"?
@Liberal...give some break to this rhetoric. Blaming religious extremism for everything will never solve our problems. The corrupt and looter elite is the real problem. In fact the two extremes i.e. religious and liberals, both should be eradicated. They are not showing signs of tolerance to each other. Due to this common Pakistani is suffering.
Let me admit that initially I did not have the courage like few of my brave colleagues to stand up for the truth and put my job and every thing at stake. I have been with pak datacom for over 15 years and seen lots of ups and downs. Mr. Salman Malik MD is the most competent and honest person I have seen in my career here. In a very short time, he took the company to new heights and all the employees almost 240 were very happy and full of respect for him. He took a just stand against the corruption of IT ministry and refused to accept the orders of secretary. I was not brave enough to stand by him but now when I see the reports and courage of media and people. I must admit that truth should be known to all, I am so proud of you sir, may Allah be with you.
Corruption is not the real problem of issues we face. We should first eradicate religious extremism and fundamentalism because of which foreign investors are shying away from the country.
@ishrat salim: @Maher: Is this the only conclusion your intellect could make? I'm amused, as the article is about the bureaucracy, not the government.
I'm sure this removal of IT officials soon will be branded as a conspiracy against democracy, or better, interference in the workings of a democratic government.
Once again very sad news. Why this greed for money?
We can not work in collaboration for the prosperity of our people and industry. A sad situation.
Thats pathetic. I dont know why these people are looting this country with both hands. Shame on the secretary for harming a well grown industry.
Ameer Mirza www.ameermirza.wordpress.com
Excellent work ET in reporting with full details. This paindu Awan should be sent packing ASAP before he does any more harm to the IT industry.
Another proof of my stance on the system of governance. Be it democracy or dictatorship, if top person is sincere with country then both systems are perfectly fine. Otherwise both would fail. Systems only works if those who are running it are honest and hardworking.
Pakistanis are their own worst enemies.....
Why is the federal authority not taking an immediate measure to remove such culprits who have played havoc with the system. Such bureaucrats are bringing bad name to Government, ministry and telecom industry. These bureaucrats should be tamed and not allowed to follow the tradition of british india when they were hired, trained and used to propagate their vested agenda through oppression. God bless Pakistan..
good express is showing who corrupt officials are by naming them. They need to be HUMILIATED and branded.
Another milestone achieved by our DEMOCRATIC GOVT.