PM tasks ISI for screening government officials

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the country’s leading spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with a Special Vetting Agency (SVA) for verification and screening of all public office holders for postings and appointments.

In this regard, the notification has been issued which states, “In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 25 of the Civil Servants Act 1973 (LXXI of 1973), read with Notification No. S.R.O. 120(I)/1998, dated 27th February 1998, the Prime Minister is pleased to notify Directorate General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as Special Vetting Agency (SVA) for verification and screening of all Public Office Holders (officers’ category) for induction, important postings/appointments, and promotions.”

The development comes a few days after the Supreme Court prevented the executive authorities from transferring, posting, and removing officials involved in investigating or prosecuting high profile corruption cases against bigwigs, in particular Prime Minister Shehbaz and his son, Punjabi Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.

All postings and appointments would be made after clearance of the military’s intelligence wing.