The Senate Standing Committee on Communications voiced serious concerns over the increasing number of deputation-based appointments in the National Highway Authority (NHA) during a recent meeting held in Islamabad. Chaired by Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, the session turned critical as lawmakers expressed frustration over what they viewed as institutional overreach by externally appointed officials.
Senator Zameer Hussain Ghomro led the charge, questioning the dominance of deputation officers within the NHA. He argued that nearly all key positions appeared to be occupied by such officers and demanded comprehensive details, citing constitutional, legal, and qualification-based justifications. In a pointed remark, he claimed that many of these deputation officers were likely serving in violation of the law.
In response, the Chairman of the NHA confirmed that 39 officers were currently serving on deputation. The committee members were unconvinced, however, and pressed further. Senator Saifullah Abro made a startling disclosure, noting that even a first-class employee—typically a junior-level worker—was brought in on deputation, prompting questions about the necessity and qualifications of such appointments.
Chairman Senator Pervaiz Rasheed questioned the rationale behind bringing in outside officers when existing NHA employees had served for decades without promotion. He criticized the apparent disregard for judicial orders, especially regarding a court directive from the Islamabad High Court dated July 17, which had ordered the removal of the NHA’s member finance—a decision still not acted upon. When queried, the NHA chairman explained that the officer in question intended to file an appeal.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha emphasized the procedural requirements for deputation appointments, including obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from both the Cabinet and Establishment Divisions, as well as verifying educational credentials. Senator Palwasha Khan raised a specific concern about the appointment of a female director with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, questioning how someone with a clinical background could be eligible for a high-ranking administrative position, calling it a clear violation of recruitment norms.
Concluding the session, the committee demanded a full report from the NHA chairman in the next meeting and announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the matter further.
