ISLAMABAD: The government is all set to appoint technical advisers in 15 ministries and divisions to boost their performances and in this regard, Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Establishment Division to prepare rules and regulations.

Sources in the Finance Division have informed that the PM has allowed the creation of 15 posts of ‘technical advisers’ in ministries, divisions to enhance their performance.

They said that these technical advisers, besides giving suggestions for the betterment of the country’s economy, will look after and supervise the affairs of the ministries/ divisions as well as development projects.

“The advisers will be hired from the market on a contractual basis on Special Professional Pay Scales (SPPS) or the Management Position (MP) Scales,” said sources. “Some ministries/divisions have been lacking the requisite expertise and their performances suffered badly in the past.”

According to sources, the recruitment process against the proposed posts with post-wise specific TORs will be processed by respective administrative ministries/divisions in consultations with the Finance Division and the Establishment Division.

An official of Establishment Division on condition of anonymity said that the government believes that in the present era of rapidly advancing technology, specialization has acquired prime importance.

“Therefore, a right mix of technical skillset/domain knowledge and suitable educational qualification is required for running various technical projects of the federal government,” he added.

As per the documents available with this scribe, the ministries/divisions that require technical expertise included the Science and Technology Division, Power Division, National Food Security & Research Division, Industries and Production Division, Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, Climate Change Division, Commerce Division, Finance Division, Petroleum Division, Water Resources Division, Maritime Affairs Division, Textile Industry Division, Information and Broadcasting Division, National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Division and Aviation Division.

It is pertinent to mention that the Establishment Division had forwarded a summary regarding the creation of 15 posts of technical advisers to the prime minister and had sought approval in this regard. Prior to forwarding the summary to the PM, the division had also shared this summary with the Finance Division for examination and comments on the proposed pay package.