Sir: The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that she is a powerless minister and cannot even appoint or transfer a peon of her free will. May we ask the respected minister why she is drawing a hefty salary and enjoying all the perks of the ministry when she has almost no authority. On a lighter note, please do not take it to heart Madam, for the prime minister of the country is in a similar situation under the all-powerful office of the president. DR IRFAN ZAFAR Islamabad