Ban on appointments is not that justified

Unlike other well established democracies, elections in Pakistan are held under interim setups. The setup provides a semblance of fairness and impartiality though it comes with its own set of problems, the key problem of which is managing the affairs of institutes of national importance when there is a ban on new appointments. Senior posts at these institutes remain vacant, thus putting day to day work of the government at risk. This scheme of things is in no way encouraging as is evident from a recent decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ask for an explanation from the government on the appointment of Ashraf Mahmood Wathra as Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, which they say goes against the ban imposed the ECP on all appointments.

The ECP’s decision might have a legal standing but the ground realities tell a different tale. Mr Wathra’s appointment has been hailed by the business, trade, and banking sectors, including the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry. He is considered to be one of the top bankers and knows the dynamics of Pakistan’s economy very well. When the country is going through a tough period, what with elections at hand and a dwindling economy, what we really need is competent and professional management at all the organisations related to economy and finance, and there is no such organsiation as the State Bank of Pakistan that requires this much needed change. Considering the abundance of top level talent in the field, such appointments should have been a no-brainer, but what complicates the matters is a decision by the ECP that has banned any appointments in view of the upcoming elections as governments in Pakistan have often been indulged in handing out jobs in order to lure the electorate.

Other than the restriction set by the ECP, there seems to be no other objection on Mr Wathra’s appointment. To single out his case alone does not bode well for the impartiality of the ECP. If there had been some procedural irregularities in this appointment, the same can be rectified in a way to avoid any confrontation with the ECP and thus put a stop on the functioning of an institute whose decisions can make, or break, the economic outlook of the country. The finance ministry is better advised to make amends with the ECP as it needs professionals like him who have an untainted career and have the courage to take initiatives to set the country on a path of economic progress. The stalemate must end, and professionals like Mr Wathra must be given a chance chip in their share of expertise for the country’s benefit.

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