Interviews for NBP President Slot
The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is set to appoint a new President, and a committee led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will be conducting interviews for the position on Saturday. This development comes as the Finance Division has shortlisted several candidates for the prestigious role. Among the candidates are acting NBP President Rehmat Ali Hasnie, Adnan Alley Agha, Mudassar H. Khan, Tahir Yaqub Bhatti, Tariq Ghuman, Usman Shahid, and Javed Qureshi.
Acting NBP President Rehmat Ali Hasnie Emerges as a Favorite
While the acting NBP President, Rehmat Ali Hasnie, was not shortlisted in the previous appointment process, sources suggest that he is now a favorite for the President/CEO position. This is due to his connections within the allied parties of the coalition government. Hasnie’s rise to prominence within the NBP has raised some concerns as well.
Audit Objections and Controversies Surrounding Hasnie
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reportedly raised audit objections against Hasnie, accusing him of obtaining a promotion to the rank of SEVP through cheating or misstatement. Furthermore, Hasnie’s involvement in the HASCOL scandal has also come under scrutiny. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has directed the NBP to provide details regarding 20 officers, including Hasnie, in an illegal appointments case. Despite these controversies, Hasnie has been serving as the acting president since May 2022.
Adnan Alley Agha’s Appointment Raises Concerns
Another candidate for the NBP president position, Adnan Alley Agha, previously held the position of SEVP & Group Chief/Chief Risk Officer, Risk Management Group, at NBP. The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) raised audit concerns regarding his appointment, stating that undue favor was extended to him by the NBP management. The AGP deemed his appointment irregular and unjustified, and it also highlighted the payment of pay and allowances amounting to Rs. 24.208 million as improper.
Also Read
Ramiz Raja Returns as Commentator for Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Test Series
Allegations Against Usman Shahid
Usman Shahid, an ex-SEVP of NBP, is also in the running for the presidency. However, Shahid’s involvement in the HASCOL scandal and his brief custody in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have raised questions about his suitability for the position. Currently serving as the Chief Risk Officer in Bank Islami, Shahid is believed to be a strong contender for the role according to some banking sector officials.
In light of the various controversies surrounding the candidates, the appointment process for the NBP President has attracted significant attention. The Finance Division had previously proposed Adnan Alley Agha’s name for the position, but it was rejected by the cabinet. Consequently, the Finance Division was instructed to restart the appointment process.
The selection of a suitable candidate for the position of NBP President is crucial for the bank’s continued growth and success. The committee led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar holds the responsibility of conducting thorough interviews to assess the capabilities, qualifications, and integrity of the candidates before making a final decision.
Conclusion
The appointment of a new President for the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is an important decision that requires careful consideration. The candidates shortlisted for the position, including acting NBP President Rehmat Ali Hasnie, Adnan Alley Agha, Mudassar H. Khan, Tahir Yaqub Bhatti, Tariq Ghuman, Usman Shahid, and Javed Qureshi, bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table. However, their involvement in controversies and allegations raises concerns about their suitability for such a significant role.
The committee led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar must prioritize transparency, integrity, and merit in the selection process to ensure that the chosen candidate can lead the NBP effectively and restore public trust in the institution.
