Pakistan Recalls Trade & Investment Counsellor from Malaysia Over ‘Below Average’ Performance

The Ministry of Commerce has recalled its Trade and Investment Counsellor (TIC) from Malaysia, citing unsatisfactory performance in a recent official evaluation. Sources said that Tahira Javed, a grade-19 officer of Pakistan Customs serving as TIC at the Pakistan High Commission in Malaysia, has been directed to immediately relinquish her post and report back to her parent department. She was posted in Malaysia in 2024 along with others TIOs. The decision follows her classification as a “Below Average” performer by the Trade Officers Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (TOMEC), the body responsible for assessing the effectiveness of Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) posted abroad. TIOs are tasked with promoting Pakistan’s trade, economic, and investment interests in their host countries. Their responsibilities include enhancing market access for Pakistani products, improving the country’s image as a reliable trading partner, and attracting foreign investment. In accordance with the Policy Guidelines for Selection, Appointment & Posting of Trade & Investment Officers (BS-18 to BS-20), TIOs are evaluated against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) circulated through official correspondence dated May 3, 2024. The policy clearly states that any officer whose performance is rated “Below Average” may be recalled at any point during their tenure. Following its latest review, TOMEC recommended the immediate recall of Javed. Acting on this recommendation, the competent authority in the Ministry of Commerce approved her repatriation. She has been instructed to hand over her responsibilities and report to her original department after availing the prescribed joining time. The recall underscores the Ministry’s stated commitment to holding trade officers accountable for their performance and ensuring Pakistan’s commercial interests abroad are represented effectively and professionally. It is pertinent to note that the Ministry of Commerce after, every 3 years, post TIO abroad for promoting Pakistan’s trade, economic, and investment interests. Presently, Islamabad has posted around 50 TIO and Counsellor General in different countries abroad.