The Board of Directors (BoDs) of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) approved appointment of Gulzar Ahmad Shah, an officer of Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) for three years.
He is expected to get Rs 0.2 million financial benefits in addition to regular salary of Managing Director. Well informed sources in USC told Business Recorder that the newly appointed MD briefed the Board in its recent meeting that Ashfaq Ali Malik and Sardar Muhammad Khan, ex-General Managers, tendered their applications for early retirement from the service of the Corporation after completion of more than twenty-five years' service, which was approved by the then Managing Director after getting verbal approval from the Chairman. Accordingly, their retirement letters were issued. Later on, both the officers submitted applications in December 2014, for withdrawal of their requests for retirement.
It was revealed that the Ministry on the advice of legal advisor and after giving opportunity of personal hearing permitted both the officers to withdraw their requests/ applications seeking premature retirement from service with immediate effect. The intervening period were considered as leave of the kind due. Accordingly, their joining was accepted with effect from July 22, 2015.
Chairman USC Board, Jamal Mustafa Siddiqui stated that the then Managing Director did get his approval which was subsequently reconfirmed by Khaqan Murtaza through a letter. Chairman further revealed that Islamabad High Court (IHC) referred the matter to him and after meeting both the gentlemen, he had passed speaking orders confirming approval of their retirement.
Board maintained that both officers (Ashfaq Ali Malik and Sardar Muhammad Khan) voluntarily applied for early retirement and they should not be taken back. Board ratified the action by the Managing Director for placing both the officers as OSD. Board further authorised the Managing Director to take appropriate steps in order to close this matter. Khawaja Tariq Nazir pointed out that Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) is a statutory position and the present incumbent is not qualified to hold the position. Board advised the Managing Director to look into the matter and take appropriate action to fill the position at the earliest.
Chairman revealed that another officer was transferred by the Ministry without any requisition from USC and was placed as General Manager Store Operations. Board advised that the services of Muhammad Ishaq Rao be returned to the Government.
Chairman USC Board said that the organisation needs stability and continuity of leadership. The Board argued that the tenure of the MD should be three years. Board inquired from Gulzar Shah on his willingness to complete the term. The Board also discussed the conduct of Sultan Mehmood and Sagheer Ahmad. It was decided that in case Sagheer Ahmad tenders an unconditional apology and disassociates from the writ petition, he may be allowed to continue. Board noted that Sultan Mehmood is retiring in two months and advised the MD to allow him to continue till that time.
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