By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a recent development, the appointment of Saadia Hyder as a Member Planning in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ignited controversy, drawing objections from various quarters and raising questions about the government’s decision-making process.
The Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners took a firm stance against this appointment, alleging that Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer Saadia Hyder lacks the necessary qualifications for the role. In a letter addressed to the Establishment Division, the council emphasized that the regulations governing such appointments dictate that only a qualified engineer with substantial experience in town planning should hold the position of Member Planning. Furthermore, the individual must be registered with the council, possess a minimum of 20 years of relevant experience, and a Ph.D. holder should have at least four years of practical experience.
What has intensified the debate is Saadia Hyder’s background as a Deputy Secretary, a non-technical role, which, according to critics, doesn’t align with the technical demands of the Member Planning position.
The controversy extends beyond the specific appointment and encompasses broader discontent within the CDA and other government departments. The decision to appoint non-technical officers, particularly those from the police, has faced objections from various quarters. Critics argue that such appointments may compromise the technical expertise required for crucial roles within the CDA.
The Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, in its letter, not only highlighted the lack of qualifications but also underscored the potential violation of regulations governing the appointment process. The council’s objection emphasizes the need for immediate corrective action to maintain the integrity of the appointment process.
This outcry has not gone unnoticed by senior officials within the CDA, who have echoed the concerns raised by the council. They have called upon the government and the Chairman to address the situation promptly and rectify the alleged irregularities in the appointment process. The stakes are high, given the regulatory role of the CDA and the potential consequences of disregarding established qualifications for key positions.
As this controversy unfolds, it poses a challenge to the credibility of the government’s decision-making processes and highlights the importance of adhering to established regulations in appointments to critical positions within key institutions like the CDA.
