ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has nominated Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to the High-Powered Selection Board (HPSB), responsible for promoting federal bureaucrats from Grade-21 to Grade-22.
The HPSB, chaired by the Prime Minister, includes the Minister of the Establishment Division, Secretary Cabinet Division, Secretary Establishment Division, Principal Secretary to the PM, and the Secretary of the relevant ministry.
However, the current Principal Secretary to the PM, Asadur Rehman Gilani, a Grade-21 officer, will not participate in the upcoming meeting as his promotion case will also be under consideration.
With over 40 posts of Grade-22 vacant, this board’s decisions are critical to filling key bureaucratic positions. The HPSB last convened in March 2023, with sources indicating that the meeting will be scheduled shortly.
Bilawal’s inclusion aligns with PPP’s earlier demand for representation in key decision-making processes, particularly those involving bureaucratic promotions, as part of the alliance agreement.
This move also follows Bilawal’s criticism of the government for bypassing allies in major policy decisions.
During a recent address in Islamabad, the PPP chairman criticized the unilateral approach, stating, “The government acts as if it has a two-thirds majority. Policies should reflect consultation with allies to ensure smooth implementation.”
The nomination seeks to address coalition concerns, build consensus, and strengthen collaborative decision-making within the federal government.