The Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), once regarded as the backbone of agricultural financing in Pakistan, has come under intense scrutiny following damning revelations about the illegal appointments of three top-level officers. According to the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP)’s 2024–2025 report and internal whistleblowing from senior union representatives, these appointments not only violated official hiring procedures but also raised questions of nepotism, favoritism, and outright fraud.
- Mr. Bakar Ahmed – The “Unfit” Group Head of HR
At the heart of the controversy lies Mr. Bakar Ahmed, whose appointment as Group Head (Human Resources) was declared “illegal” by the Auditor General of Pakistan. The audit report revealed that Mr. Ahmed was not even among the 13 shortlisted candidates approved by the Interview Committee. Shockingly, he was parachuted into the position without recommendation from the recruitment firm HRSI, which had in fact declared him unfit for the role due to his lack of relevant HR experience.
The matter was reviewed by the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) on January 13, 2025, where officials from the Finance Division and AGP unanimously agreed that the appointment was irregular and procedurally flawed. Despite this damning conclusion, Mr. Ahmed continues to hold office allegedly due to direct support from ZTBL President Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti draining national resources in violation of the Establishment Code, which prohibits contractual hiring for HR/Admin roles.
- Muhammad Ahmed Khan – Retired Banker Rehired in a Non-existent Position
Another alarming case involves the hiring of Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Khan, a retired Bank of Punjab employee, as Head of People’s Services Division (PSD) a post that didn’t exist in ZTBL’s approved organogram. After being rejected for the higher GH (HR) position during formal interviews, a new lower-tier post was apparently created specifically for him. Sources claim this maneuver was orchestrated through a “mutual collaboration” between the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the ZTBL President.
Mr. Khan’s academic record is equally troubling. Reportedly holding a “D” grade throughout his academic career from Matriculation to Master’s, his appointment has raised serious concerns about meritocracy and the erosion of professional standards in public sector hiring. This appointment not only undermined younger, more qualified professionals in the banking industry but also raises questions about the manipulation of hiring structures for individual benefit.
- Muhammad Sabir – Regional Head Appointed on a Fake Degree
Perhaps the most egregious of the three is the case of Mr. Muhammad Sabir, who was appointed as Regional Business Head (RBH), Faisalabad, allegedly on the basis of a fake academic degree. As per ZTBL’s own HR policy, no appointee can assume duties without submitting HEC-verified academic credentials. Despite repeated directives from the HR Department, Mr. Sabir has reportedly failed to submit any verified qualifications. Nevertheless, he has been drawing a hefty salary for over a year.
His appointment is directly attributed to President Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, who, according to the complaint, bypassed all verification protocols to bring an old associate into the system. The continued employment of an unqualified individual, especially in a high-stakes leadership role, not only undermines institutional integrity but potentially exposes ZTBL to serious legal and financial liabilities.
The expose, signed by Muhammad Iqbal Khattak Ex-General Secretary of CBA ZTBL and Senior Vice Chairman of the International Human Rights Movement has been formally submitted to multiple government entities, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Governor State Bank, and the Auditor General of Pakistan. The letter calls for immediate removal of all three individuals and initiation of formal inquiries against those responsible for these illegal hirings.
With public trust and national financial interests at stake, pressure is mounting on the federal government and ZTBL’s governing bodies to take swift and transparent action.
