Ministry Fails to Find Suitable Candidate for PCSIR Leadership Role

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has announced that it could not identify a suitable candidate for the leadership position of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), despite receiving nearly 100 applications from prominent scientists. This unexpected outcome has led the ministry to propose the re-employment of the previous chairman, Dr Syed Hussain Imam Abidi, for an additional year.

The proposal for Dr Abidi’s re-employment has been authorized by the Minister for Science and Technology and submitted to Adviser to the Prime Minister, Dr Syed Tauqir Shah. The ministry is now seeking the federal cabinet’s approval through circulation, as per Rule 17(1)(b) of the Rules of Business, 1973.

Dr Abidi’s tenure expired recently, prompting the ministry to advertise the position in hopes of attracting a broader pool of qualified candidates. However, after reviewing the applications, the summary indicated that no suitable candidate was identified, necessitating a re-advertisement to draw in more experienced applicants.

As the ministry prepares to re-advertise the position, the implications of this decision may affect the future direction of scientific research and industrial development in Pakistan. Stakeholders are keenly awaiting the outcome of the cabinet’s decision and the subsequent recruitment process.