The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Secretariat has reportedly rejected Pakistan’s nomination for the Attaché Position at its headquarters in Tehran.
According to sources, the nominee, Amina Batool, a Grade-19 officer of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS), was not approved. Pakistan has been asked to propose another candidate for the role. This marks the first time a Pakistani nominee has been rejected for this important position.
Traditionally, officers from Pakistan’s Commerce and Trade Group have held the Attaché Position. The role is considered strategically significant as it promotes regional trade, investment opportunities, and economic cooperation among ECO member states.
The Ministry of Commerce had recommended an IRS officer for the position, breaking from the usual practice. The decision by the ECO Secretariat has raised questions about candidate selection and procedural clarity.
The Attaché Position is pivotal for implementing regional trade agreements and fostering economic linkages across Central, South, and West Asia. Pakistan has consistently supported initiatives like the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA), ECO Transport Corridor, and regional energy cooperation projects.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the posting of 28 officers for various trade missions abroad. However, nine officers could not proceed with their assignments due to adverse reports from intelligence agencies. Some officers, like Aiman Javaria, have already assumed roles in Tehran as Trade and Investment Officers.
The Ministry of Commerce has decided to keep the 10 unfilled Trade and Investment Officer positions vacant until April next year, when the next posting round will take place. Eligible officers remain on a waiting list, but the delay in filling these posts has caused some concern within the ministry.
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Experts say Pakistan must carefully select a candidate for the Attaché Position to maintain its influence in regional trade discussions and ensure smooth coordination with ECO member states.
