According to media reports, a retired officer of the Information Service has been re-employed after superannuation as Press Secretary to the Prime Minister. This is the first high-profile appointment after the Supreme Court observed early this year that re-employment of superannuated civil servants blocks the promotion prospects of young officers.
This observation prompted the Prime Minister to constitute a special committee comprising of Secretaries Cabinet and Establishment Divisions to review the cases of re-employed civil servants.
The Committee hurriedly submitted a biased report to the Chief Executive. Selected retired officers belonging to the Police Service of Pakistan were shown the door before the termination of their contracts to satisfy the Supreme Court that their orders have been complied with. However, Mr Waseem Ahmed, then Director General (DG) FIA was not touched. He was allowed to resign. Where is he now?
The observation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan is on record that selective termination of contract of some police officers is, prima facie, in violation of Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before law to all citizens.
After 19 February, the Chief Executive has appointed many retired officers in various government organisations in violation of orders of the Apex Court. This only proves that there is no respect for the constitution, law and oath of office. The ruling elite think that they are above the law. If this attitude trickles down to the masses, there will be chaos leading to anarchy.
ASGHAR MAHMOOD
Islamabad
