On the backburner: Govt research body headless since 2012

Appointment process delayed when portfolio was withdrawn from Zahid Hamid and handed over to Rana Tanveer Hussain

ISLAMABAD:

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), a sub-department in the Ministry of Science and Technology, has been working without a head since October 2012.

Another body in the ministry, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), is also without a head for almost a year.

The ministry invited applications for its 10 research and innovation bodies in May last. Eight heads were appointed by end of December. Some of the departments had been headless for five years.

The appointment process was delayed when the portfolio was withdrawn from Zahid Hamid and later handed over to Rana Tanveer Hussain.

Sources in the ministry said that the appointments were put on halt at PCSIR ans PSQCA because two candidates, who are also members of these organizations, have accused each other of submitting fake degrees and exaggerated experience in curriculum vitae.

The minister has constituted a committee to probe the allegations. “We are checking the documents. The probe body can also recommend dismissal from the service if they are found guilty,” said a committee member. The ministry’s public relations officer Zahidullah said the appointments will be made by the end of February, 2015.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2015.