Islamabad (PR) Corruption and Mismanagement is all visibly noticed in our national
institutions but when it reaches the circles protecting our indigenous heritage, it
compromises the protection, preservation and perpetuation of national heritage and in
fact cast a serious threat to the existence of the nation. With every new day, a new
scandal of extreme gravity is arisen in Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the
Pakistan’s premier art institution being mandated with the country’s promotion and
development of arts. Significance of its role in national arts is evident from the fact that
it runs the prestigious National Art Gallery, which is not only custodian of precious
national art assets but also holds interim ownership of valuable artifacts lend to it by the
great artists of the country for national and international exhibitions.
Learned sources claim that a number of precious paintings of extreme historic
significance have been stolen from the national collection and several others replaced
with copies. A strong group of influential people inside the organization is involved in
this crime to stole original paintings from the national treasures and keep its replica in
the unorganized store rooms of record. With joining of infamous Jamal Shah as its DG,
the persons involved in such activities are once again placed on responsible seats to
repeat blunders they committed in past which definitely accrue benefits for him also. So
much is so he has re-appointed several retired employees on highly lucrative salaries in
violation of rules. These retired employees include Waqar Hanif, Zulfiqar, Khalid Zubair,
Arif Jafri and Sahir Tanvir, who are matriculate or equivalent in qualification but they are
placed as Consultants and Directors practically controlling the entire transactions of the
art council.Several inquiries were held to probe in to the criminal activities committed inside this
institution but no action could be taken against the responsible person because they are
well reached into the system and the top management is protecting these officers.
Recently an inquiry was conducted by the Government under senior officers of the
Ministry of Information and several employees including former Director Waqar Hanif
were found guilty. The inquiry report recommended referring these cases to the FIA for
proper forensic investigation but instead of doing so the incumbent DG Jamal Shah
appointed these retired employees on lucrative emoluments in total violation of rules
and prescribed procedure. Sources confirm that Waqar Hanif, although found guilty in
inquiry reports, is still enjoying privileges in PCNCA because he is very close friend of
Jamal Shah and they are partners in every transaction. Few days earlier, the Governing
Board of the PNCA took serious notice of such matters and directed the management to
refer the cases to FIA for proper criminal proceedings. So far, the DG Jamal Shah has not
initiated any action. If the Government is serious to eradicate corruption from the
system and to promote good governance, it has to act upon the slogan ‘Say No to
Corruption’ in true spirit and has to initiate strict criminal proceedings against the
persons involved in theft of national art assets and also to fix the senior management
protecting such people.