Buland Akhtar Rana
Buland Akhtar Rana was appointed Auditor General of Pakistan in August 2011 on the orders of President Asif Ali Zardari.[1] The previous auditor-general was Tanvir Ali Agha, who had resigned amid a controversy over whether he was able to continue to hold office for another four months; subsequently, Aneece Marghub was appointed as the acting auditor-general. Rana belongs to Multan. Previously, he had been the acting secretary of the Human Rights Division and also served as deputy auditor-general.[2] He is a well-educated officer and was also educated abroad.
The chairman of PAC threatened to resign over what he saw as the government proceeding to appoint its "favourite" and deserving officer in a cover up.
It is claimed[by whom?] that Rana was appointed because he was the most senior officer present at that time in the office. He holds dual Canadian citizenship, which is not a crime according to law if it is revealed.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, wrote a letter to President Zardari in connection with appointment of Rana as Auditor General pointing out seven allegations of corruption and irregularities against him.[3] Rana has a strong affiliation with the prime minister, Yousaf Raza, due to living in the same home town.[2] His appointment is being looked upon merit. However, Zardari replied in a letter to the Chief Justice in which he cleared all allegations made against Rana. Hence, the appointment was accepted.[4]
Rana was removed by the Supreme Judicial Council in May 2015 after a reference sent by the National Assembly.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ "Controversial appointment: Buland Akhtar Rana named new Auditor General", The Express Tribune, 24 August 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ a b Zahid Gishkori, "New Appointment: PM promotes friend, props up chances of top auditor’s post", The Express Tribune, 3 August 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ "CJP sends letter to President pointing out 7 charges of corruption, irregularities against AGP". Weekly Islamabad Pulse. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- ^ "Controversial appointment: Rana takes oath as auditor general", The Express Tribune, 27 August 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2020.