The bureaucracy

This refers to the news report, ‘NIP head appointed as headhunt continues’ (March 13). It is an accepted fact that the bureaucracy, over a period of decades, has become so strong and tenacious that it practically governs the country. The appointment of the head of the National Industrial Parks Development & Management Company (NIP) is not the only case. Top appointments in public sector enterprises (PSEs) continue to be made in a non-transparent manner. Of course, bureaucrats know well how to circumvent the government’s declared policies, and the prescribed rules and regulations. For example, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had announced as early as on November 20, 2013 to restrict huge financial benefits to bureaucrats by virtue of holding dual positions or becoming directors on the board of directors of many PSEs and private entities in which the government still has a stake. This decision was taken by the government to maintain financial discipline. But, the directive has not been followed till now.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi, the only prominent leader from Sindh in the federal cabinet, had resigned after successive postings and transfers in PSEs under the control of his ministry were made by bureaucrats without his knowledge. The case of Utility Stores Corporation MD Khaqan Murtaza, a bureaucrat who had literally refused to follow the minister’s orders, was widely covered by the media. On great assurances by the prime minister, he withdrew his resignation in March 2015. But, apparently, things have not improved.

Hussain Siddiqui

Islamabad