ISLAMABAD:

The Ministry of Climate Change has become the centre of internal conflict over efforts to reinstate a senior official, Mujtaba Hussain, who was previously removed over corruption allegations. The power struggle within the ministry is reportedly driven by top political figures pushing for his return, despite ongoing investigations.

Sources told The Express Tribune that a former climate ministry secretary was recently removed after refusing to interview Hussain, who was being considered for a key position in the climate authority. Hussain had previously served as an additional secretary in the climate ministry but was dismissed after being accused of illegal gains from donors and development projects.

An inquiry had been launched into Hussain’s conduct, with the establishment secretary informed by the former climate secretary that Hussain, due to his long tenure, had developed personal interests within the ministry. He was accused of using his position for personal gain, seeking favours from those conducting official business, and interacting with donor agencies through his personal email without proper approval.

The investigation into Hussain’s conduct is ongoing, with the outcome to be reported to the Establishment Division. The inquiry also revealed that Hussain had fostered divisions within the ministry and discouraged officials from cooperating with the secretary, disrupting the ministry’s performance.

Recently, a new controversy arose when Hussain attended an interview for a member position on the climate authority without the necessary permission from the relevant ministry. His lack of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) led to his disqualification from the shortlist. Sources claim that political leaders had pressured the former climate secretary, Ezaz Dar, to allow Hussain to participate in the interview. However, when Dar asked about the NOC, Hussain did not have one, and his application was rejected.

The climate ministry has been accused of becoming a hotbed of corruption due to the involvement of NGOs, and the former secretary had reportedly requested to be relieved from his duties. Documents reveal that the new climate secretary has initiated efforts to remove Senior Joint Secretary Hassan Raza and Additional Secretary Syed Iftikhar, allegedly without valid charges. This move is seen as an attempt to clear the way for Hussain’s return.

In a surprising move, despite the presence of Additional Secretary Syed Iftikhar, the charge for his position was handed over to Senior Joint Secretary Muhammad Farooq on a temporary basis.

Documents obtained by The Express Tribune show that the former climate secretary had previously written to the Establishment Division, warning about Hussain’s conduct. The letter detailed Hussain’s refusal to hand over official records after his dismissal and his unauthorised attendance at international meetings without securing proper approval.

Hussain has been accused of creating misunderstandings between ministers and secretaries, frequently violating government protocols, and delaying compliance with orders from the ministry. Due to these actions, the Establishment Division was asked to permanently transfer Hussain from the Ministry of Climate Change and prevent him from being posted in any department that interacts with donor agencies.

When contacted, Hussain, who is currently serving in the Ministry of Water Resources, denied the allegations and claimed they were the result of professional jealousy. He added that his desire to work in the climate ministry stemmed from his academic background in environmental studies, which he believed made him well-suited for the role.

Despite denying the charges of illegal gains from donors and development projects, Hussain admitted to having dealt with donors during his time in the Economic Affairs Division without facing similar allegations. Attempts to reach the current climate ministry secretary for comment went unanswered.