ISLAMABAD  –  The Federal Government has yet to appoint a permanent Federal Secretary Communications, leaving the multi-billion-rupee portfolio dependent on ad-hoc arrangements for the past two years, which is hampering the smooth flow of official business.

Ali Sher Mehsud, a BS-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, has been holding the look-after charge of Secretary Communications since November 2023. He was initially posted as Special Secretary Communications in August 2023 by the interim government, with responsibilities confined mainly to postal services, despite his prior experience at the National Highway Authority (NHA). His role was later expanded after then Secretary Communications, Capt (Retd) Khurram Agha, was appointed Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Although Mehsud secured authority to act as the Principal Accounting Officer, his repeated attempts to obtain permanent posting orders for the secretary’s slot or to secure the prized position of Chairman NHA have so far been unsuccessful. According to sources in the Establishment Division, his chequered past within the NHA has hindered his prospects.

As Member Administration NHA, Mehsud was reportedly removed from his post following allegations of corruption and misuse of authority. He also remained under investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for irregularities in operating a service area on the Islamabad–Peshawar Motorway (M-1), which he allegedly ran without lawful justification. In another case, NAB initiated an inquiry into alleged embezzlement in Rs1 billion solar power project in the FATA Directorate, where he served as General Manager Finance.

Further complicating his profile, Mehsud was twice superseded for promotion from BS-21 to BS-22 by the High Powered Selection Board during the governments of both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Pakistan Democratic Movement, on account of integrity concerns raised by relevant departments. Instead of challenging the supersession in court, he reportedly pursued backdoor channels to secure his promotion.

When contacted for his comments, Ali Sher Mehsud said the appointment of a regular Secretary Communications falls within the domain of the federal government, and he has no role in the process. 

He however avoided to respond to questions regarding controversies associated with his career in the past.