Clarification

Islamabad: The News reporter, while quoting some administrative issues faced by PBS has tried to link it with the finalisation of FY-2018 economic indicators which is absolutely misleading and is an effort to confuse the readers in his article titled, “PBS faces challenges in finalising FY-18 economic data” published in the 'The News' dated 15-03-2018, says a press release on Tuesday.

The PBS computes the national accounts according to well stated and publically shared parameters. These are prepared by national accounts section of PBS which comprises of experienced and committed team of experts. It is a fact that Mr. Asif Bajwa has retired last year but retirement, posting, transfer and appointments are routine matters within an organisation.

People do come and leave organisations but organisations never stop their function. Same is with PBS. The secretary Statistics Division has taken timely decisions by giving acting charge of chief statistician to member economic statistics PBS, who has vast experience in the field of economics.

Similarly appointment of Dr Bahrawar Jan, Deputy Director General PBS, as Member National Accounts, has further strengthened the national accounts team. Thus the narrative developed to vacant posts of Chief Statistician and Member National Accounts is totally incorrect and against the facts.

It is a fact that, with the passage of time, there is always a space for improvement in a dynamic organisation/department. The secretary Statistics Division after accessing the responsibilities and functions of the Chief Statistician has rightly initiated a summary to the prime minister asking for permission to modify the perks and privileges along with qualification for Chief Statistician, so that well qualified and reputed experts could some forward for this post and PBS could perform its functions as per international standards and repute. However, absence of permanent Chief Statistician of PBS has never caused serious challenges in fulfilling its responsibilities.

Mehtab Haider adds: The reporter stands by his story as the PBS did not contradict content of his story.