VC for PIDE: Three names finalised, to be sent to PM for selection

ISLAMABAD: The government has selected panel of three economists for sending official summary to Prime Minister Imran Khan for appointment of Vice Chancellor Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) University at MP-1 scale, The News has learnt.However, one shortlisted candidate had objected over the process and conveyed to the Planning Commission that he was not able to participate into the interview on the particular date before high powered selection committee because he was travelling.This candidate was contacted by one member of the high powered committee and he had informed him that he would not be able to appear before the selection committee because of traveling and prior commitment. He had offered to Registrar PIDE University that his interview could be done by phone but he was told that it could not be done.When contacted by this scribe, this candidate replied that he reserved the right to approach the court for not conducting his interview. Now three names have so far been finalised for inclusion into official summary after conducting of interviews by the selection committee including Dr Nadeemul Haq, Dr Pervez Tahir and Dr Zafar Moeen Nasir.If the summary was sent out to PM then he would select one out of three names. It is not yet known whether the high powered committee will conduct interview or move the summary without conducting interview of the candidate who was unable to participate into the interview on that particular day.When contacted to Secretary Planning Commission Zafar Hassan on Thursday night, in a brief reply he stated that the summary would be done in next day or two. He said that about 10 to 15 candidates were shortlisted in this process.However, the sources said that the tenure of outgoing VC PIDE Dr Asad Zaman was ended after completing his tenure and the government advertised the post. Around 80 to 90 experts mostly economists had applied for this post. The Planning Commission shortlisted 15 candidates and conducted their interviews last month.Dr Nadeemul Haq who had served as VC PIDE, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and different position into IMF during his distinguished professional carrier. He is well known economist who is the first economist written book on 100 years of Pakistan’s economic prospective titled “How Pakistan Became Asian Tiger by 2050”.Dr Pervez Tahir had served as Chief Economist of Pakistan for several years and took over as DG ENERCON for few months during his carrier. He had also written articles on Pakistan’s economy and also served on board of directors of public sector entities.Dr Zafar Moeen Nasir had served as VC Punjab University and earlier worked into PIDE during his professional carrier.The PIDE which came into being as think tank for the Planning Commission and government of Pakistan was converted into degree awarding institution that had resulted into damaging his basic work in area of research and input into policy formulation. Whoever selects from these well versed and known economists, there is need to revive the golden history of PIDE for which this research entity was known for years in this country.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2UAYh8w