PAC Concerned over Irregular Appointments in PARC
Staff Report:
ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed strong disapproval over administrative and financial irregularities in the Ministry of National Food Security and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), particularly regarding unlawful appointments. The Secretary for Food Security was reprimanded for appearing unprepared before the committee.
During the proceedings, PAC member MNA Shazia Marri voiced concern over the repeated delays requested by the Secretary concerning audit paras. “At the very least, you should come prepared to demonstrate that you take the PAC seriously,” she asserted. Chairman PAC, MNA Mr. Junaid Akbar stated , “You were expected to provide answers today. “We have already granted you time. This is a waste of public resources. Who will be held accountable for that?” In light of the inadequate briefing, the committee granted the Secretary a one-month extension to furnish detailed responses.
The committee also raised serious concern over 332 alleged illegal appointments made by PARC. Audit officials disclosed that only 164 positions were advertised, yet 332 individuals were hired, contravening official procedures.
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PAC members alleged that the chairman was deliberately sidelined to evade accountability. “The chairman has been removed to protect him from scrutiny,” remarked MNA Aamir Dogar.
The committee further noted gross violations in adherence to provincial and regional quotas, with most appointments concentrated in just three districts. “Where are the opportunities for deserving candidates from other regions?” asked MNA Shazia Marri.
Audit officials also revealed that no domicile certificates were provided for the appointees. While the Acting Chairman stated that 206 of the selected individuals were scientists recruited on merit, the committee questioned the transparency of the process.
In response to these serious allegations, the PAC discussed referring the case of Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for formal investigation. Chairman PAC confirmed that Dr. Ali has been summoned to appear before the committee on May 6. “If he fails to justify the appointments, the case will be forwarded to NAB,” he cautioned.
MNA Junaid Akbar said: “I know exactly whose family members have been hired,” he claimed.
MNA Hussain Tariq raised additional concerns, noting that nearly 250 new appointments are currently underway. He emphasized the need for immediate scrutiny of these ongoing recruitments as well.
In a notable development, the Secretary for Food Security conceded that irregular appointments had indeed taken place. The PAC has requested the official leave documentation of the PARC Chairman and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and merit-based hiring in public sector institutions.
