Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the removal of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Director General Dr. Syeda Zia Batool after a government inquiry concluded that allegations of administrative and financial irregularities against her were substantiated.
According to official documents seen by ProPakistani, the Prime Minister’s Office directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to immediately terminate Dr. Batool’s contract, initiate disciplinary proceedings, and recover any financial benefits or privileges found to have been obtained unlawfully by officials identified in the inquiry.
The ministry subsequently issued a notification terminating her contract on July 13, 2026, and forwarded a summary to the federal cabinet for ex post facto approval, as the cabinet is the appointing authority for MP Scale officers under the MP Scale Policy, 2020.
However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the termination order on July 16, restoring Dr. Batool as PSQCA Director General. The court issued notices to the respondents, sought replies within two weeks, and directed the government’s law officer to appear on July 30.
Sources said the inquiry was initiated on the Prime Minister’s instructions after complaints regarding alleged irregularities surfaced through media reports, the Prime Minister’s Portal, and other sources.
A fact-finding committee constituted by the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewed documentary evidence and Dr. Batool’s written response before submitting its findings. According to officials, the committee concluded that the allegations against the PSQCA chief were established.
Following the report, the Prime Minister’s Office instructed the ministry to proceed under the MP Scale Policy, 2020, and submit the required summary through the Establishment Division within the prescribed timeline.
The Prime Minister also directed the formation of a high-level committee comprising independent experts and professionals to review the PSQCA’s organisational structure and recommend institutional reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has now sought federal cabinet ratification of the termination order and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the PSQCA Act, 1996.
