ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appointed the chairmen of the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and Board of Investment without advertising the posts, despite his earlier stance that all such posts would be filled through open competition.
In his inaugural address to the National Assembly on June 5, he had said that “in future all top level appointments in government, semi-government and important public sector entities, their boards of governors and heads will be made on the basis of merit and ability to work and perform. From today onwards, we have closed the chapters of nepotism and undue favours.”
Sharif explained that advertisements would be published in national and international newspapers to encourage able Pakistanis living abroad to come back and help improve governance. But the procedure has not been followed.
In the first week of July, Aslam Khaliq was appointed Chairman of the PIA’s board. By virtue of his position. Recommended by the federal government, Khaliq joined the board along with other new members. Sharif has brought in a number of prominent businessmen on the board, including Mian Mohammad Mansha and Arif Habib.
PIA’s spokesman Mashhood Tajwar said that being a major shareholder in the PIA corporation the government could nominate members.
Internews
