— Authority’s chief’s dual charge, delayed resignation approval raise governance concerns
ISLAMABAD: Serious governance concerns have emerged within the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) as the federal cabinet continues to delay the approval of the resignation of a senior bureaucrat, who has held two statutory positions concurrently since August 5, 2025.
Officials familiar with the matter describe the situation as unprecedented, and many believe the delay is intentionally linked to the outcome of a pending court case challenging her recent appointment.
Dr. Zia Batool, who has been serving as Chairperson of the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), assumed charge as Director General of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in early August through what multiple insiders describe as a “highly irregular and questionable process.”
Although Dr. Batool has reportedly submitted her resignation from PEIRA, insiders say the competent authority, usually the federal cabinet, has not yet approved it.
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