Public Policy School rector to retire today

ISLAMABAD: Rector of the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) Javed Hassan is retiring on Monday after heading the premier training institute for a period of six years, sources said. Hassan, a retired lieutenant-general, will be replaced by NSPP dean Rahatul Ain for the time being.

While serving as the rector of the NSPP, Hassan looked after the Civil Services Academy and Senior Management Wing, Lahore that are meant for imparting training to grade 19 and above civil service officers.

Hassan also headed the National Institute of Management which imparts training to grade 18 and grade 19 officers serving in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.

Sources said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani did not show any interest in offering an extension to Hassan, like he did for Defence Secretary Syed Athar Ali.

An eight-member board of the NSPP basically runs the affairs of the institute. President Asif Zardari is the patron-in-chief of the NSPP.

The board has tasked Finance Secretary Salman Siddique, who is also ex-officio member of the board, along with Mirza Qamar Baig to shortlist candidates to replace Hassan.

The civil servants desire a new head of institute who belongs to the civil service, whereas Hassan was not only from the armed forces but had four other retired uniformed people with him as well.

Establishment Secretary Ismail Qureshi is among the favourite contenders for the vacant position.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2010.