Controversial appointment: PAL gets ‘new’ director general

ISLAMABAD: A former director general (DG) of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) has been reappointed to the same position. According to a press release issued by PAL on Friday, Zaheeuddin Malik, who has “vast experience” in literary and administrative disciplines, has assumed charge of his office. It said that the appointment has been welcomed by writers and literary figures. However, sources in PAL said Malik’s appointment has raised concerns within the academy, as he has no experience in literature. They said Malik was a Grade 19 officer who was serving as the principal of Pakistan Steel Mills College until recently and had moved to Lahore as he wanted to move from Karachi. The post of director general is to be held by a Grade 20 officer, and Grade 19 officials can only perform the duties of Grade 20 officials with the approval of the prime minister, they added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2012.