Islamabad: Another controversial appointment was authorized by the government on Tuesday, as Javaid Jehangir got assigned the portfolio of the 20th auditor-general of Pakistan.
His appointment was approved by the President Mamnoon Hussain, under power vested to him by Article 168 (1) of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan as per a notification published by the finance ministry on Tuesday.
The post had lied vacant since April 2017 and the acting auditor-general in the meantime was Imran Iqbal, the senior most officer in the department. The auditor-general office responsibility extends to public accountability and financial transparency.
Jehangir was accused of financial misappropriation by the Establishment division, which had sent several letters requesting disciplinary proceedings to be initiated against him which went unheeded.
The new AGP is a retired BPS-22 officer of Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service and has served for 35 years in the division till December of 2016 as per a published handout given by the AGP office.
The accusations by the Establishment division were linked to his role in financial deals involving the Capital Development Authority (CDA). He served as member of finance in CDA during the tenure of Farkhund Iqbal, who was jailed for having indulged in corruption.
Jehangir is said to be close to the ex-Prime Minister’s family and will be heading the AGP office at a critical juncture for the ruling government as its term draws to a close in the next few months.
