Transparency International questions credentials of TDAP chief SM Muneer

Lahore: Pakistan Chapter of Transparency International (TI) has asked the government to clarify the appointment of a leading businessman as CEO of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in violation of rules and regulations.

In a letter written to Commerce Ministry, Director of TI Syed Adil Gilani said that government has appointed SM Muneer as CEO of TDAP who lacks qualification and was overage (66 years) at the time of employment which was violation of the rules, regulations and TDAP Act 2013.

Moreover, he is a Canadian national and supposed to be a full time employee as per Section 21 of Pakistan Penal Code. However, the CEO of TDAP is also chief of Din Group, Chief of United Business Group ruling FPCCI and Patron-in-Chief of KATI which is sole example in the country.

Professional qualification is required for the job in question but the incumbent CEO is only intermediate while he claims to be a graduate which has never been verified by the government despite reminders, said Adil Gilani.

It may be mentioned that some business leaders have also asked commerce minister to take note of the situation. They alleged that SM Muneer gets coveted slots due to close relations with politicians but would not take interest in his job.

Refunds worth Rs 120 billion have been stopped by the FBR but TDAP has never taken any interest in their release hitting exports despite repeated requests, they wrote.

They said that SM Muneer is more interested in politics, expos, fashion shows and he has left for Canada to enjoy vacations at this critical juncture of budget making that shows his interest in promoting exports, his main job.