This is correct that the Intelligence Bureau of Pakistan is not a notified division of government of Pakistan like other divisions. However, its chief has always enjoyed a unique position in the administrative hierarchy of the government, especially those handpicked by political bosses. In the recent past, Brigadier Ejaz Shah was very close to President Pervez Musharraf, Major Masood Sharif was close to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Brigadier Imtiaz was Mian Nawaz Sharif’s man. Wing Commander Lodhi was a stop-gap arrangement made by Mr Gilani. The present DG, a PSP officer, is however a low profile IB Chief. There is a widespread misunderstanding that IB enjoys autonomy in financial matters. This is not correct; the fact is that for oversight and financial accountability, Secretary Cabinet Division has been notified as the Principal Accenting Officer for the IB by the government and all expenditures of the Bureau have to be scrutinised by the Financial Advisor, Cabinet Division. The Bureau cannot spend a penny without sanction of the competent authority in the finance division. Rules do not give any control to the prime minister over funds of the Bureau, though.
