TDAP chief executive Tariq Puri removed

The government has terminated the services of Tariq Iqbal Puri, as Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), on Friday. Through a notification issued on July 6, 2012, by the Ministry of Commerce, a copy of which is available with Business Recorder, the contract appointment of Iqbal Puri has been terminated with immediate affect.
"No 16 (2)/ 2010 Admn-III, in pursuance of Principle Secretary to the Prime Minister note - No 22/PSPM/12 dated 05-07-2012, the contract appointment of Tariq Iqbal Puri, Chief Executive (CE) of TDAP is terminated forthwith," the notification said. Puri, who was already on extension, had joined TDAP as CE on October 1, 2010, was shown the door just when he was close to completing his second term in office. He was given one-year extension last year. Puri had replaced Mohibullah Shah, a retired BS-22 officer, who had joined the authority in 2008.
Soon after the termination of CE TDAP, persons exercising political influence have reportedly started lobbying while the Commerce Minister, sources claimed, has forwarded two names to the Prime Minister Secretariat for the "much in demand" vacant post. While the services of CE, TDAP has been terminated, its secretary is also on his way out having completed his term on June 24 and new secretary is yet to be appointed by the government.
Giving reaction over the government's decision to terminate CE TDAP, exporters demanded that the authority should be headed by private sector. As the bureaucracy has always been a hurdle in the way of improving trade activities, TDAP, which is responsible for promotion of exports, should be supervised by a board having at least 60 percent membership from private sector.
In a statement, Shabbir Hussain Chairman Bedware Exporters Association has welcomed the government's decision saying that the outgoing CE of the authority has focused more on foreign tours rather than to support exports and trade. As exports, currently going downward remained largely neglected by the authority's head; an investigation should be initiated against him. He alleged that the outgoing office bearer of TDAP have enjoyed visits of dozens of countries without giving much attention to the crisis-hit exporters. An honest and dedicated person should be appointed as CE of TDAP, which the only organisation responsible to enhance and facilitate the country's exports, he added.