ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has re-advertised the position of Chairman of the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) after the incumbent chairman completed only one year of his tenure. The decision comes amid revelations that the chairman exceeded the age limit for the position, raising legal concerns.
Last year, the age issue was brought to light during the appointment process for the MP-I scale position, violating established rules. Despite claims by ministry officials that the appointment adhered to regulations, it appears the chairman’s age became a hindrance, prompting the need for a re-advertisement after a year.
In December 2022, the cabinet approved the appointment of Farukh Amil as Chairman, a move later found to violate age limit regulations. Amil, a former ambassador, had been appointed for three years but reportedly surpassed the age limit set for the MP-1 scale position.
Sources close to the development revealed that the selected candidate, proposed as the top choice in the panel, retired in January 2019 and is currently over 63 years old, meaning that his age was above 62 at the time of appointment. The MP Scale Policy 2020 stipulates a maximum age of 62 for candidates, ensuring they complete a three-year term by the age of 65.
Defending the appointment of Farukh Amil, known for his diplomatic roles, officials of the Ministry of Commerce earlier claimed that he had been appointed under the IPO Act of 2012, which lacks explicit age eligibility criteria, allowing candidates over 70 to be considered.
Acknowledging the mistake, the ministry recently re-advertised the post, emphasizing its MP-I scale nature with a maximum age limit of 62. The advertisement specifies that the selected candidate will serve for three years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.
While the Cabinet Division’s advisory rule suggests individuals cease to hold office at 65 or the end of tenure, MoC officials argue its non-compulsory nature. Earlier discrepancies in advertisements, such as omitting the age limit and relevant experiences, had raised concerns about favoritism among potential candidates.
The corrective action aims to address legal challenges and ensure transparency in the selection process for this crucial position within the Intellectual Property Organization.
