PM gains authority over FBISE chair appointment

Ordinance introduces tweaks, removes term and age restrictions

ISLAMABAD:

The authority to appoint the chairperson of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has been shifted from the federal cabinet to the prime minister, according to the ordinance amending the FBISE Act.

The ordinance introduces substantial changes, including the removal of limitations on terms and age for the position.

Previously, the chairperson could serve up to two terms. However, the ordinance now replaces the restriction with the provision for "renewable terms," allowing the chairperson to serve for an indefinite number of terms.

The ordinance empowers the prime minister to appoint any officer from Grade 20 or above as chairperson on deputation.

The ordinance also expands the board of governors of the FBISE. The chairman of NUST's IT Department, the director of the national curriculum council, and the chief executive officer of the Pakistan Software Export Board have been added as members of the BoG.

According to Ministry of Education sources, the age limit of 54 years for the chairperson's appointment has also been abolished under the new ordinance.

A summary for the new appointment is expected to be forwarded this week. In a previous summary, the reappointment of former chairperson Dr Ikram Ali Malik was recommended.

However, the Cabinet Division raised objections, saying that Dr Malik had already served two terms in the position.