Political connections and promotions
IT was susprising to read how Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf’s son-in-law Raja Azeemul Haque has got promotions in the recent past. He has been elevated to Grade 21 from Grade 18 within four years and now he has been nominated, out of turn, executive director of the World Bank in Washington.
Thanks to the Supreme Court for having taken notice of the issue and summoning Raja Azeem.
According to media reports, the quick promotions of Raja Azeem in the last few years have raised many eyebrows. Raja Azeem was working as Grade 18 officer at the income-tax group when the PPP came to power in 2008. After the PPP formed government, Raja Azeem left the job and was appointed by the Employees Old-age Benefits Institution (EOBI) in Grade 20 about two years ago.
When Raja Perez became the prime minister, Raja Azeem was promoted to Grade 21. He is also now serving as additional secretary at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Media reports also claim that batchmates of Raja Azeem are in Grade 18, while he is in Grade 21.
M. MAHMOOD
Karachi
It is now Supreme Court’s duty to quickly wrap this thing and teach Raja Pervez Ashraf a lesson without showing personal bias that judges showed in case of Gillani. As citizens of Pakistan, we expect results. We pay our taxes and we deserve justice. Please do not try to settle your personal scores. Remove the 21-grader if he has received his promotions without due procedures and duly punish Raja Pervez Ashraf if he influenced any proceedings. Else, clear up things quickly and do not make this an election issue.
A blatant example of extreme nepotism. In any civilized country the publication of these facts would have meant a permanent departure from public life for both father and son, possibly a jail sentence if as appears likely perjury has been committed to justify promotion, punishment for colluding officials and also a resounding defeat for the political party at elections.