ECO Secretariat Rejects Pakistan’s Nominee for Trade Attaché Post [Updated]

Update: Following the publication of our earlier story regarding the appointment of a Trade Attaché at the ECO Secretariat, the Embassy of Pakistan has clarified that the replacement officer, Ms. Amna, is arriving on 13th November after receiving approval from the ECO Secretariat. The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Secretariat has reportedly rejected Pakistan’s nomination for the position of Trade Attaché at the organization’s headquarters in Tehran. Sources told ProPakistani the ECO Secretariat declined the nomination of Amina Batool, a Grade-19 officer of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), and has asked Pakistan to propose another candidate for the post. This is the first time the ECO Secretariat has turned down a Pakistani nominee for the position. Traditionally, officers from the Commerce and Trade Group have served in this important role, which plays a pivotal part in promoting regional trade and economic cooperation. However, on this occasion, the Ministry of Commerce recommended an officer from the IRS. The ECO Trade Attaché position is considered strategically significant, as it contributes to the implementation of regional trade agreements, the promotion of investment opportunities, and the strengthening of economic linkages among member states. Pakistan has been a consistent advocate of regional economic integration under the ECO framework, supporting initiatives such as the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA), the ECO Transport Corridor, and various energy cooperation projects connecting Central, South, and West Asia. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the posting of 28 officers to serve in Pakistan’s trade missions abroad. However, sources revealed that nine out of the 28 officers could not proceed with their assignments following adverse reports from intelligence agencies. Meanwhile, several officers have already assumed their assignments in various missions abroad, including Aiman Javaria, who has joined the Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran as a Trade and Investment Officer. Sources disclosed that Javaria could have been considered for assignment at the ECO Secretariat. However, officials within the Ministry of Commerce reportedly failed to inform the senior leadership in time about the Secretariat’s rejection of Batool’s nomination. It was only after Javaria had joined her post in Tehran that the matter was brought to the attention of higher authorities. Sources further said the Ministry of Commerce has decided to keep the 10 unfilled Trade and Investment Officer positions vacant until April next year, when the next round of postings is expected to be advertised. Under existing policy, the Ministry may keep positions vacant if no suitable candidates are available. However, sources claimed that eligible officers are still on the waiting list, raising questions about the delay in filling these posts.