The Prime Minister is said to have sent the names of his three 'desired' candidates, from the private sector, to be appointed as commercial counsellors and commercial secretaries, sources told Business Recorder. Sources said that Fawad Ali Shah was selected in June last, but the names of other three candidates were sent to the Prime Minister a couple of days ago for final approval.
Out of the three, two candidates secured only 50 percent marks in a test that was specially arranged for them. "Commerce Ministry has asked the Prime Minister to approve the names of the above-mentioned candidates. However, they will be allocated stations later on," sources added.
Commerce Minister Amin Fahim had presided over the Special Selection Board (SSB). The Commerce Ministry, which was under immense pressure to finalise the names of the Prime Minister's proposed candidates, staged what is being ironically referred to as "interview drama".
Commerce Secretary Suleman Ghani on August 26, while talking to this scribe, had acknowledged that the names of three private sector candidates were sent by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for consideration as per procedure. Sources added that the four postings were earmarked for the two smaller provinces. However, none of the selected candidates is either from Balochistan or NWFP.