ISLAMABAD
GHULAM ABBAS
As the government has apparently become satisfied with the performances of people holding acting charges of various departments, Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is reportedly happy to run Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) without its head – to have the ability of making direct interventions in the affairs of the authority.
According to sources, MoC which was unhappy over the role played by former chief executive of TDAP, SM Munir, an appointee of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was now satisfied with the headless authority being under control of the ministry.
However, talking to Pakistan Today, Secretary Commerce Younus Dhaga said that the appointment of new CE of TDAP was in process. He said the ministry has made its proposals regarding the authority’s head; however, no progress has so far been made.
“I hope there will be progress on this issue after Eid,” he said.
Sources claim since the former chief executive had failed to show progress in the country’s exports, both the commerce minister and secretary commerce were interested in dealing with issues related to exports directly.
The ministry, this time, wants a full-time executive as the former head of the authority, being part time and political appointee, had failed to run the government body professionally during his three years term ended on March 12, 2017.
The ministry, according to sources, was also working on amendment of TDAP Act to pave way for appointment of competitive, qualified and relevant person on the important seat of CE TDAP.
The criterion set through the act for appointment of the chief executive was no way reasonable keeping in view of the requirement of the important slot.
As per the TDAP Act-2013, there shall be a chief executive of high integrity, in full time employment of the authority and shall have relevant professional qualifications relating to domestic and international trade, expertise, experience and knowledge of local and international markets and with successful track record. The tenure of the CE shall be three years extendable, only at the pleasure of federal government.
“Clarity was needed there regarding appointment of the chief executive through a selection process by competent authority. TDAP, which is the only institution responsible for improving exports, is needed to be run only by a highly reputed, qualified and professional one from of trade and commerce,” the sources said adding that unfortunately, the present government has been reluctant in appointing professionals on top positions of various organisations despite its tall claims of recruitments on these positions through competition and set rules.
The government instead kept running the organisations through junior officials working as acting heads.
According to sources, MoC, soon after the resignation of SM Munir, had recommended the name of Arif Ahmad Khan, former Secretary Interior as new CE of TDAP.
Arif Ahmad Khan has recently been made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) after a squabble with Minister for Interior Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan.
Though the ministry can recommend name for the top post at TDAP, it is up to prime minister to decide about the appointment. SM Munir, being a friend of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was appointed by the prime minister directly without any selection process.
On the other hand the business community, especially those of Karachi based, has demanded the government to appoint some top professional to head the TDAP to stir the stagnation in exports.
