Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has nominated his son-in-law at a lucrative post in the World Bank despite a note of dissent from the Finance Ministry, it has reliably been learnt. Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shafqat Jalil confirmed the nomination of Raja Azeemul Haq, son-in-law of the Prime Minister, to the post of Executive Director in the World Bank. This post had fallen vacant following the completion of Javed Talat's tenure.

Haq an officer of income tax group was reportedly promoted from grade 18 to 21 during the last three years and was presently serving as Additional Secretary in Prime Minister's Secretariat. A senior official on condition of anonymity said that nomination was made despite a dissenting view of Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and in violation of normal procedure.

Sources said that as per normal procedure three names were proposed in a summary for any appointment, but in this case only one name was proposed by the Economic Affairs Division. However, Secretary Information to the Prime Minister has expressed his ignorance over the question whether or not a proper procedure was followed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012