PM Shehbaz Sacks DG PSQCA After Inquiry

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the removal of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Director General Dr. Syeda Zia Batool over alleged administrative and financial irregularities.

ProPakistani reached out to PSQCA for an official response on the matter. It will be added once received.

ProPakistani was informed that the Prime Minister’s Office directed the ministry to terminate Dr. Batool’s contract appointment on July 13 and submit a summary to the federal cabinet, which is the appointing authority for MP Scale officers under the MP Scale Policy 2020.

The ministry subsequently issued a notification terminating her contract.

However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the termination order on July 16, restoring Dr. Batool as Director General of the PSQCA. The court issued notices to the respondents, sought their replies within two weeks, and directed the government’s law officer to appear on July 30.

According to sources, the inquiry was launched on the Prime Minister’s instructions after complaints alleging administrative and financial irregularities were received through media reports, the Prime Minister’s Portal, and other channels.

A fact-finding committee constituted by the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewed documentary evidence and Dr. Batool’s written response before submitting its report. Sources said the committee found the allegations to be established.

Following the inquiry, the Prime Minister’s Office instructed the ministry to immediately terminate the DG’s services, initiate disciplinary proceedings under the MP Scale Policy 2020, and recover any financial benefits and privileges found to have been obtained unlawfully by the officers and officials identified in the inquiry.

The Prime Minister also directed the ministry to process the required summary through the Establishment Division within the prescribed timeframe.

Separately, Shehbaz ordered the formation of a high-level committee comprising experts and professionals to review the PSQCA’s organisational structure and recommend institutional reforms.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has now sought ex post facto approval from the federal cabinet for the termination of Dr. Batool’s contract and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the PSQCA Act, 1996.