Who is playing with Pakistan? Controversy Erupts Over Allegedly Tailor-Made Advertisements for DG CAA and DG PAA Posts

A fresh controversy has emerged within Pakistan's aviation sector, as recent job advertisements for the positions of Director-General Civil Aviation Authority (DG CAA) and Director-General Pakistan Airports Authority (DG PAA) have been accused of being designed to favor specific candidates.

The advertisements, which appeared in print media on August 9, 2024, have sparked concerns over the transparency and fairness of the hiring process. Critics argue that the terms outlined in these advertisements differ significantly from previous years, raising suspicions of malintent.

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Sources claim that the qualifications required for these prestigious posts have been inexplicably altered to favor certain individuals. Notably, the requirement for a Deputy Director-General to have only a graduate degree, while other candidates must possess a master's degree, has been highlighted as particularly problematic. These positions, considered highly technical, have traditionally demanded a higher level of expertise.

Critics further cite a recent European Union (EU) report, published on May 30, 2024, which criticized the Pakistani aviation sector's management. The report, specifically in paragraphs 61 to 75, underscores the government's failure to appoint professionals and technocrats to regulatory positions, calling this a "cornerstone" of poor performance within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). With Pakistan's aviation industry still unable to resume flights to Europe, despite over four years having passed since the ban, there are growing concerns that the government's current hiring approach will only perpetuate the existing issues.

Aviation experts and industry insiders argue that the CAA requires a complete overhaul, stressing that only seasoned professionals from the aviation industry can bring about the necessary reforms. The ongoing culture of "old school" thinking within the CAA is viewed as a significant obstacle to progress, with critics warning that corruption and incompetence will persist unless radical changes are made.

The group behind the allegations has formally demanded the withdrawal of the recent advertisements and a return to the generic conditions used in previous job postings, as outlined in the attached Annexure C. They argue that professionals with aviation-specific qualifications should be considered for these roles, akin to hiring an engineer for an engineering position, rather than selecting candidates based on criteria that seemingly cater to a select few.

This developing situation has drawn significant attention, with calls for greater transparency and meritocracy in the hiring practices within Pakistan's aviation sector. The coming days will likely see increased scrutiny as stakeholders await the government's response to these serious allegations.

Who is Nadir Shafi Dar, and what are the allegations against him?

Nadir Shafi Dar, a prominent figure in Pakistan's aviation sector, has been embroiled in various corruption scandals linked to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). His name has surfaced in multiple allegations, particularly concerning the management and regulatory practices within the CAA.

One of the major scandals associated with Nadir Shafi Dar involves accusations of favoritism and nepotism in hiring practices. These allegations suggest that under his influence, key positions within the CAA were filled by individuals lacking the necessary qualifications and experience, leading to widespread inefficiencies and mismanagement. The recent controversy over tailor-made job advertisements for the Director-General positions at CAA and PAA has further intensified these claims, with critics arguing that the criteria were adjusted to favor candidates with connections to Dar.

Additionally, Nadir Shafi Dar has been implicated in issues related to the mishandling of funds and resources within the CAA. Reports indicate that significant sums of money meant for aviation infrastructure development and safety improvements were either misallocated or siphoned off, leading to a deterioration in the quality of services and infrastructure.

The European Union's 2024 report on Pakistani aviation, which highlighted the sector's decline and the government's failure to appoint competent professionals, has also indirectly pointed to the consequences of such corrupt practices. The ongoing suspension of Pakistani flights to Europe, now in its fourth year, is seen as a direct result of the mismanagement and corruption scandals linked to figures like Nadir Shafi Dar.

These allegations have cast a long shadow over Pakistan's aviation industry, leading to calls for comprehensive reforms and greater accountability within the CAA. However, despite these controversies, there has been little visible action taken against Nadir Shafi Dar, raising concerns about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the country.