Another retired bureaucrat, another breach of law

Former chief finance officer responsible for causing nearly Rs2 billion in losses to the national exchequer

ISLAMABAD:

In sheer violation of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) directive to take punitive action, the government has extended the contract appointment of a senior member of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Saeedur Rehman.

The PAC, in its findings, had held three retired generals as well as former chief finance officer Saeedur Rehman responsible for causing nearly Rs2 billion in losses to the national exchequer by investing NLC funds in the stock market.

The parliamentary watchdog has directed the Planning and Development Division to send a reference to the defense secretary to immediately initiate disciplinary action against the three retired army officers, whereas the Cabinet Division was directed to take action against Rehman, who is currently serving as the CDA member finance.

However, the Establishment Division issued a notification mentioning the extension in the contract appointment of Saeedur Rehman with effect from September 7, 2011 on existing terms and conditions.

Notably, the Establishment Division had issued the notification on August 30, but Rehman’s extension takes effect from September 7.

Sources in the civic agency said that Rehman has managed to get an extension for the fourth time. The Supreme Court had also given a verdict which termed reemployment of retired bureaucrats on contract basis illegal.

Sources said that the CDA member finance got his last extension on the grounds that the CDA had to prepare its annual budget 2011-12 and it was untimely to change the person sitting at the helm of affairs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2011.