ISLAMABAD:
government on Friday got status of Special Verification Agency (SVA) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which gives it the ability to complete verification and screening of all government officers for introduction, important publications/appointments and promotions.
The Establishment Department notice stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had notified the spy agency as SVA. for check and instructed him to check of all public office holders.
” prime minister I am pleased to inform the General Directorate of ISI as SVA for verification and screening of all public office holders (officer category) for introduction, important posts/appointments and promotions”, official notice issued after the Prime Minister’s approval to read.
Sources revealed that decision was taken in recent federal cabinet meeting, but was kept hidden by adding that the ISI already started working and looking for data of government officers and members of their families from departments concerned.
FROM special status and authority, they said, the spy agency would monitor on morality and financial affairs of in government officers and will provide information to promotion boards, especially to high-ranking board and the Central Selection Board (CSB).
Previously, they argued, the Intelligence Directorate (IB) carried out the verification process, but now it has been replaced by ISI. Previously, they said, ISI was tasked with with checking cases of officials before they posted abroad, adding that they now “have more influence over bureaucracy” as every appointment, nomination and promotion went through them.
A little government the officers said that the governments move surprised many as several batches in in coalition government used to counter interference of special services in governments affairs before you come to power. However, after coming to power, they said that they did the exact opposite and, in fact helped tighten the control of the spy agency over bureaucracy and governments affairs.
However, some other bureaucrats took in decision slightly, because they believe that ISI will do what IB used to do, and there won’t be much difference. They said that government officers had already served under constant NAB surveillance, adding that there would be pressure, but that also become routine after a while.
Read more: SC stops transfers in high-profile cases
Before Prime Minister Shehbaz former Prime Minister Imran Khan also surprised the nation when he showed up during live Ehsaas Telethon, which government was using ISI technology to trace patients with suspected Covid-19 in country.
” government is using a system which is originally designed to track terrorists, to identify cases of suspected coronavirus,” Imran said during live a program designed to raise funds for mitigation of blockage caused by a virus.
Governments have long using intelligence agencies, as well as investigating authorities for complete verification process of another government tasks and projects.
Describing the Ehsaas telethon, Imran said: back in 2020 what government took 10 months to create a database for program, saying that the police, as well as Federal Investigation Agency officials, will not only check on beneficiaries, but also also ensure transparency.
Surprisingly, but decision to give ISI’s powers came days after the Supreme Court banned executive branch transfers from publications and deletions of officials involved in investigation or prosecution of high-profile cases of corruption against top government functionaries, especially Prime Minister Shehbaz and his son Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.
Five judges more bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, delivered the verdict during a suo motu hearing regarding the alleged government intervention in in affairs of prosecutors and investigating authorities in high-profile cases.
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