Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has crossed all the limits of nepotism by favouring his blue-eyed boys.

Recently, Nawaz has given a third-time extension to press minister in New York Masood Anwar until December 2017.

Daily Times learnt that Anwar’s contract expired on January 31. Earlier he was given a three-month extension after his retirement.

Notification indicates that the permanent representative at the UN, Maleeha Lodhi has written a letter to the PM’s Secretariat on January 11, saying, “Mission had conveyed its recommendations to the ministry of information and broadcasting for the criterion required for selection of press officer from the private sector for the important post in NY. However, despite a lapse of several months, the process of selection of a new press officer could not initiate. I understand that this process is not in litigation and thus it is likely to be further and probably, indefinitely delayed.

As the Pakistan Mission in New York cannot afford to leave the post vacant for any length of time, it is requested that the incumbent press minister, Massod Anwer whose contract is to expire on January 31 2017 be extended till December 2017. This will ensure continuity in the mission’s work and allow time to the information ministry to address litigation issues and select a suitable replacement.”

On Maleeha’s request, the PM has approved on January 26 to extend Anwar’s tenure.

Anwer is the husband of Benazir Income Support Programme Secretary Yasmeen Masood.