PM Orders PSQCA DG Removal Over Alleged Irregularities

The PSQCA DG removal has sparked legal and administrative developments after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the termination of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Director General Dr. Syeda Zia Batool. The decision followed an inquiry into alleged administrative and financial irregularities. However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) later suspended the termination order and restored Dr. Batool to her position until further hearings.

Inquiry prompts government action

According to official sources, the Prime Minister’s Office directed the Ministry of Science and Technology on July 13 to terminate Dr. Batool’s contract appointment. The ministry also received instructions to submit a summary to the federal cabinet, which serves as the appointing authority for MP Scale officers under the MP Scale Policy 2020.
Following the directive, the ministry issued a notification ending her contract. However, the Islamabad High Court suspended the notification on July 16 after hearing the matter. The court restored Dr. Batool as Director General of the PSQCA, issued notices to the respondents, sought written replies within two weeks, and fixed the next hearing for July 30.
Sources said the inquiry began after the Prime Minister’s Office received complaints through media reports, the Prime Minister’s Citizen Portal, and other official channels. A fact-finding committee established by the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewed documentary evidence and examined Dr. Batool’s written response before completing its report. According to sources, the committee concluded that the allegations were established.

Reforms planned as case continues

Following the inquiry, the Prime Minister directed the ministry to terminate the DG’s services, initiate disciplinary proceedings under the MP Scale Policy 2020, and recover any financial benefits or privileges that may have been obtained unlawfully by officers identified in the inquiry.
In addition, Shehbaz Sharif ordered the formation of a high-level committee comprising experts and professionals to review the PSQCA’s organizational structure and recommend institutional reforms. The Ministry of Science and Technology has also sought ex post facto approval from the federal cabinet for the termination of Dr. Batool’s contract and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the PSQCA Act, 1996.
The legal proceedings, however, remain ongoing. The Islamabad High Court has suspended the termination order, and the case will proceed after the respondents submit their replies. Until the court reaches a final decision, the allegations remain subject to judicial review.