Transparency International-Pakistan (TIP) on Sunday drew the attention of Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf towards allegations of nepotism in the rapid promotion of Raja Azeemul Haq, his son-in-law, first in Employees Old-age Benefit Institution (EOIB), then in the PM’s Secretariat and now his approval for the position of executive director (ED) of the World Bank. In a letter written to Personal Secretary to the PM Ayub Qazi, TIP Adviser Adil Gilani referred to a news in which Press Secretary to the PM Shafqat Jalil was quoted as saying that the PM had approved a summary to appoint Raja Azeemul Haq for the slot of ED of the World Bank, terming the appointment as a case of nepotism and violation of merit. TIP said the post of World Bank ED was highly lucrative, offering $220,000 per annum salary along with other perks and privileges. “However, sources in the Finance Division said this appointment might create an embarrassing situation for the country because the ED represented several countries such as Iran, Algeria, Afghanistan and others which might raise an objection when Pakistani PM’s designated son-in-law assumed charge as full fledged ED,” said the news report. Gilani pointed out that until a few years ago, the PM’s son-in-law was serving as a grade-18 officer in the Income Tax Group, but he was first hired by EOBI in BPS-20 and soon after his father-in-law’s elevation as PM, he was elevated in the PM Secretariat to a grade-21 position. Gilani referred to a quote from Jinnah’s address to the constituent assembly in August 1947 in which he shunned the evils of nepotism and jobbery, urging the PM to review his orders on his son-in-law’s appointment in light of the Quaid’s views. Gilani said knowing that the PM was reputed to have taken action on any wrongdoings brought to his notice, and has not as yet been accused to have approved any appointments against merit, it is expected that he will follow the advices of the founder of the nation against nepotism and undo any irregularity if done in this alleged case.
