Caretaker prime minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso. PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has given a two year extension to Major General Mohammad Arif Raja – who was serving as Additional Secretary-I in the Ministry of Defence – despite his retirement.
The Additional Secretary-I (AS-I) is the most important position in the defence ministry after Secretary Defence. The AS-I deals with all military organisations and also handles the affairs of lands owned by the military, Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan International Airlines. The AS-II and AS-III are taken from Air Force
and Navy, respectively, though by law.
Though AS-I, AS-II and AS-III are civilian posts, they have traditionally been occupied by men in the military.
The sources said Major General Arif would stand retired from the armed forces, and would be keeping his current post despite doffing the uniform.
The extension to General Arif Raja has been given at a time when the caretaker government is coming under pressure for making abrupt transfers and postings, a move viewed by many as transgressing its mandate. Its actions have been challenged by the law ministry and the PML-N.
Narida Farhan, the public relations officer of the Ministry of Defence, confirmed that two-year extension was given to Major General Arif Raja from May 14. She maintained that all the prerequisites were met before seeking extension.
However, press Secretary to the prime minister, Shafqat Jalil, said General Arif Raja’s extension was not in the knowledge of the PM House.
The leading newspapers on Monday quoted the interim Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi as giving warning to the caretaker set-up against overstepping its mandate by making undue transfers and postings in important government departments.
While talking to The Express Tribune, the Law Minister Soofi said the PM has the right to make appointments and give extensions but these decisions should not be controversial.
On Monday, Khawaja Asif of PML-N challenged the caretaker government’s transfers and postings in the Supreme Court. The apex court has already issued a contempt of court notice to caretaker PM Khoso on a petition filed by Shafqat Nagmi, a Grade-22 officer.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2013.
COMMENTS (7)
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I am sure this can be overturned in light of Supreme Court orders regarding extensions
Is the PM not aware of Tariq Aziz-ud-din’s case (2010 SCMR 1301) and Anita Turab (Constitution Petition No. 23/2012 ) case of Hon Supreme Court of Pakistan. Extension is illegal
What's unlawful in his extension. Army officers may have extension in civilian departments even if the retire from the military service. It's legal in many countries, even in the USA! This story is more cynicism then a news report!
"She maintained that all the prerequisites were met before seeking extension."
Why is it being sought, when the SC has already held that all such extensions are illegal?
Why does the government not have powers to simply over-turn caretaker appointments once in office, if it disapproves of someone or even if they prefer someone else? It should be the proper government's prerogative.
weak PM shown weakness on many occasions, this is not the worst..
Let this general too have some fun at taxpayer expense