PSQCA Becomes Hub of Corruption, Nepotism And More: Report

A document presented by the Ministry of Science and Technology before the Parliament has revealed rampant corruption and malpractices within the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The report exposes cases of embezzlement, nepotism, and administrative irregularities, with most actions against culprits limited to superficial penalties. According to the document, the ministry conducted five inquiries into PSQCA over the past three years, uncovering significant financial and administrative discrepancies. These included embezzlement in laboratory equipment procurement, with two officers charged but later let off with minor penalties. Similarly, irregularities in recruitment processes and financial misconduct have been recurring issues. In one instance, a former project director and assistant director were fined nominal amounts and allowed to continue. Highlighting nepotism, the document cites a field officer in PSQCA Multan who leased office space from his wife’s property without following legal procedures, causing financial losses to the authority. Furthermore, the inquiry into irregular recruitment in 2023 led to the suspension of hiring processes and recommendations to cancel appointments. The fact-finding committee also recommended strict actions against officers involved in illegal recruitment. The ministry’s findings show a pattern of ineffective accountability within PSQCA. For instance, in 2017, the secretary of PSQCA was only issued a warning for recruitment irregularities. Similarly, a deputy director of finance implicated in financial mismanagement was merely subjected to salary deductions. Despite directives from higher authorities, significant action remains pending against many implicated officials. Currently, two inquiries into PSQCA’s affairs are ongoing under the Ministry of Science, while one is being handled by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). NAB’s probe includes allegations against a deputy director, two assistant directors, and junior staff members. The document underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and strict enforcement of accountability to restore PSQCA’s credibility as a regulatory authority.