Generally, it is believed that democracy is the best political philosophy. Unfortunately democracy has not delivered in Pakistan and the country has not progressed much in the context of social justice and economic prosperity under the democratic political dispensation. Poverty is the most challenging issue in Pakistan, leading to frustration, extremism and terrorism.
To address the issue of poverty and adequacies at grass-root level, the present government has launched a social safety net program under the banner of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in collaboration with the World Bank.
Billions of rupees have been committed for this programme and the World Bank is providing technical assistance to make the program a success in Pakistan.
On the advice of World Bank, BISP announced two vacancies of Senior Executives in May this year. Backed by functional and corporate competencies, I applied for the position of Senior Executive (Inspections, Monitoring and Evaluation).
Interview was held on 13th June 2011. I was not satisfied with the conduct of the interview panel, comprising BISP senior officials. The interview was not well-structured and strategically focused. I informed the Chairperson BISP (MNA. Farzana Raja) my experience of interview, and apprehensions about transparency of the selection process.
Next day, I received a call from the office of the Chairperson that she would like to see me in the evening after the National Assembly session. I was impressed by her prompt response. This is the beauty of democracy; responsiveness and accountability.
I visited CP’s office at 6 PM. We discussed the issue for one hour. The Chairperson had read the letter minutely and appreciated my concerns for the future of a very prestigious organisation embodying safety net program in Pakistan. I was pleased to learn that the Chairperson gives personal attention to public complaints and grievances received in her office. I wish this arrangement could be institutionalised.
ASGHAR MAHMOOD
Islamabad