Riaz Asher Siddiqui has been appointed as CEO of Universal Service Fund to replace Mr. Parvez Iftikhar, with immediate effect, told us sources aware of the development.
Reportedly Yousaf Raza Gillani, Prime Minister of Pakistan, took the decision, who also happens to be the chairman of the USF board. However, as per our source, board members hadn’t decided anything on appointment of new CEO.
It merits mentioning here that PM, as chairman of the board, can’t appoint a CEO prior to board members’ endorsement.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Riaz Asher was heading Norus Inc. in Pakistan till now, a firm that specializes in communication surveillance and monitoring services. He has also served as Executive Editor for a local telecom magazine.
Ruling party was long looking for USF as a precious money box because of over 50 billion rupees lying in its accounts, given away by cellular companies for the development of telecom and broadband in the country.
Recently GoP also worked on a proposal to move USF’s money to Federal Consolidated Fund to make it available to government for running its operations. However, no decision has been taken so far.
Under Parvez Iftikhar USF Pakistan emerged as one of best operating service fund, globally, and is being used as a benchmark by various countries.
As much as I hate to say it…But sucks to be us!
Yeh hai mera Pakistan!
Honestly, start a petition for this?
Na laaiqi ka aik aur me-yaar….is mulk main na laaiq he lucky hautay hain kia?
All the top notch posts in telecom/Pemra/fab now belong to ppl worth crying….
God help USF and the Government of Pakistan. I have seen this incapable guy first ruin Teralight, then Teletimes and Narus. He gets paid but does nothing, instead wastes resources and brings the companies to their knees.
May Allah help us!
I’ve seen his profile on likedin and I think he hasn’t got rich enough experience to be CEO of USF.
A government full of thieves. I’m sure this seat was sold to the highest bidder. I’m sure our PM knows jack#*#* about telecom and cares less about rural development.
I met Mr. Parvez Iftikhar two to three times and in my opinion he was very humble and was very professional. But most of us don’t know about Mr. Riaz.
In my opinion the appointment should be on merit as according to this report this is one man decision which is not professional way of appointment on this senior post.
There is a panel of ppl with vested interests that must have interviewed…i can mentiion why each and every one decided in RA’s favour but then would it make any difference?
God help USF.
I am not agree with most of views above, Riaz Asher Siddique is a well known Telecom Professional and most important is Honest having vast experience in Industry, In my opinion This Government has made only this appreciable appointment by picking “Right man for the right Job”.