ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (APP): Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that no permanent appointment had been made in the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), clarifying that only temporary appointments were carried out in line with the delegated powers of the Board of Directors (BoD) and within approved posts.
Responding to a question raised by Muhammad Riaz Khan during the Question Hour, the minister said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had already submitted a written reply to the query in the house.
He said the temporary appointments were made in accordance with the authority delegated in the fifth meeting of the APP Board of Directors and were aimed at meeting professional requirements to ensure the smooth functioning of the organisation.
According to the written reply submitted by the ministry, the APP management took immediate and transparent action following the Auditor General’s report, which pointed out financial irregularities, illegal transfers of funds, and 20 fake appointments.
Acting on the recommendations of a Fact-Finding Committee, the matter was referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). An FIR has been registered, and investigation and recovery proceedings against those involved are underway.
These steps were taken to restore financial discipline and ensure accountability within the institution.
It further clarified that all appointments were made strictly in accordance with the powers delegated by the Board of Directors and applicable rules.
To maintain financial prudence and safeguard valuable technical equipment, the organisation reappointed trained staff from a previous project through a transparent test and interview process at lower salaries and scales.
All recruitments were made within the approved budget and manpower limits to avoid any additional burden on the national exchequer while maintaining professional performance and financial continuity.
During supplementary questions, Agha Rafiullah said that merely levelling allegations against one another would not resolve public issues, stressing the need to focus on matters concerning the welfare and development of the people.
He added that if members’ questions were centered on public progress and well-being, citizens would directly benefit.
MNA Aliya Kamran also raised a supplementary question, to which Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary reiterated the ministry’s written response.