HEC Faces Fresh Seniority Controversy Over DG Promotions
Establishment Division reportedly did not clarify the issue of lien, while competing claims over seniority and promotion have left the final decision in the hands of the HEC Chairman.
ISLAMABAD: A dispute over seniority among senior officers at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has intensified, with the matter remaining unresolved despite correspondence with the Establishment Division. The final decision is now expected to be taken by the HEC Chairman, according to sources.
Matter Referred to Establishment Division
Sources told Islamabad Tribune that three Director Generals (DGs) approached the HEC Human Resource Management (HRM) wing regarding the seniority issue. The matter was subsequently referred to the Establishment Division for clarification, particularly concerning the status of lien. However, the Establishment Division reportedly did not provide a specific opinion on the lien-related question.
According to sources, HEC service rules do not permit the grant of lien for appointments made under the MP-I scale. Despite this, Tariq Iqbal was appointed to an MP-I position in Punjab and, after completing his tenure there, rejoined the HEC.
Sources further claimed that the other three DGs had been promoted nearly five years earlier and maintain that they are senior in the current hierarchy.
Promotion Eligibility Under Question
The dispute also involves promotion eligibility. According to sources, HEC rules require an officer rejoining the organisation to complete two Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) before becoming eligible for promotion. Questions have reportedly been raised over whether these conditions have been fulfilled.
Sources further alleged that former HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed approved Tariq Iqbal’s promotion to Grade 20 on the last day of his tenure. Although the board constituted under his tenure later ceased to exist, the promotion remained in effect.
Grade 21 Promotion Dispute
According to sources, Tariq Iqbal is now seeking promotion to Grade 21. However, the other DGs argue that they hold seniority over him and should therefore be considered first.
The matter is now awaiting a final decision from the HEC Chairman.
