MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is all set to reappoint Shah Jahan Mirza as Managing Director Private Power & Infrastructure Board (PPIB) who was in hot waters during the last one year of PML (N) government, sources close to Minister for Power told Business Recorder.

Last year, while presenting the un-written agenda, the then Minister for Power/ Chairman PPIB Board, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari had stated that in the context of merger of AEDB with PPIB, the entire regime would change wherein the mandate and profile of the organization would be enhanced and accordingly he intended to seek permission of the Board Members with regard to re- advertisement of the position of the Managing Director PPIB.

The then Secretary Power had supported the move of the then Minister and inquired whether any Notice Period would be required under the terms of the employment of the current MD. It was clarified that no such notice period is available for the position. Director Legal pointed out that his expertise does not encompass HR employment issues.

Former Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had also asked the Ministry of Power to remove Shah Jahan Mirza but he successful managed to survive by using contacts in the federal and Punjab Government.

He has now a very close friend in the PTI government who is also a Special Assistant to Prime Minister.

Private Power Infrastructure Board is a statutory organization under the administrative control of Ministry of Energy (Power Division). As per section 7(1) of the PPIB Act, 2012, the Managing Director, PPIB is to be appointed by the Federal Government.

The act further elaborates vide its sector 7(4) hat the Managing Director will be paid such remuneration and allowances as may be determined by the Board.

The sources said, Shah Jahan Mirza was appointed as MD, PPIB by the Federal Government on September 21, 2015 for a period of three years. The post of MD PPIB fell vacant on September 20, 2018. The cabinet in its meeting held on September 27, 2018 accorded approval for the following: (i) initiating recruitment process for the post of MD PPIB; (ii) constitution of the interview/ selection committee; and (iii) extension in tenure of incumbent MD PPIB, Shah Jahan Mirza for a period of six months or till recruitment of new MD through competitive process, which ever is earlier.

Power Division initiated the process of recruitment for the post of MD PPIB and advertised it in the national newspapers on October 14, 2018. A total number of 105 candidates applied for the position of MD.

The shortlisting committee constituted with approval of the Minister for Power evaluated the applications and shortlisted 13 candidates for interview by the interview/ selection committee and interviewed 12 shortlisted candidates while one candidate Ahsan Maqbool was not present.

The committee also held a recap meeting on May 7, 2019 and finally recommended the following panel of three candidates for consideration/ appointment against the post of MD, PPIB ;(i) Shah Jahan Mirza;(ii) Salman Amin and ;(iii) A.J. Hamdani.

Power Division has proposed appointment of incumbent MD Shah Jahan Mirza for another period of three years.