An inquiry committee formed on the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari has found Comstech chief misconduct allegations against Coordinator General Dr Iqbal Choudhry to be established on multiple counts, including alleged financial irregularities, violation of executive instructions and non-compliance with court orders.
According to an inquiry report reviewed by Dawn, the committee recommended strict disciplinary action against Dr Choudhry and proposed referring the matter to anti-corruption institutions for further investigation.
Dr Choudhry, however, has rejected the proceedings and questioned their legality. He described the process as a “one-sided inquiry” and claimed that he was not provided with a copy of any complaint or show-cause notice.
The inquiry concerns the head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, commonly known as Comstech.
Dr Iqbal Choudhry Accused Of Multiple Violations
The committee concluded that Dr Choudhry failed to implement instructions issued by the president and classified the alleged failure as misconduct. It also accused him of violating court directives and failing to respond to complaints.
One of the major findings concerned the functioning of Comstech’s Executive Committee. According to the inquiry report, meetings of the body had not been convened for around four years.
The committee said most decisions during this period were taken by Dr Choudhry himself, describing the arrangement as “maladministration”.
The inquiry also raised concerns about Comstech’s financial management. It stated that expenditures had been incurred for several years without obtaining the required budgetary approval.
The committee described such spending as unauthorised and illegal and recommended disciplinary action over the alleged misuse of Comstech funds, including expenditure that it claimed was made for personal benefit.
The allegations remain subject to the next stages of official proceedings and any legal or administrative response from Dr Choudhry.
Inquiry Raises Questions Over Foreign Trips
The report also examined Dr Choudhry’s foreign travel during his tenure.
According to the committee, he undertook more than 70 foreign trips over a six-year period without obtaining prior approval from the president in his capacity as chairman of Comstech.
The committee said some of the trips were made to countries that were not associated with Comstech. It also alleged that public funds were used to cover travel and accommodation expenses for female associates.
The findings have been included among the allegations for which the committee recommended further action.
The inquiry also examined Dr Choudhry’s simultaneous holding of two senior positions.
According to the report, he served as Comstech coordinator general and director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) from April 8, 2020, until November 12, 2024.
The committee noted that the dual role continued for around four and a half years despite instructions from the Ministry of Science and Technology to relinquish the additional charge.
Recruitment And Employee Complaints Also Examined
The committee also considered complaints concerning the treatment of Comstech employees.
The inquiry report referred to allegations of forced resignations and dismissals, along with claims that disciplinary proceedings were not conducted through transparent procedures.
It also cited allegations of nepotism and favouritism in recruitment.
Another issue highlighted in the report was a reprimand letter reportedly issued to Dr Choudhry by the World Academy of Sciences in Trieste, Italy.
The committee considered the various allegations collectively and recommended that the matter be referred to anti-corruption institutions for further investigation and appropriate action.
Its recommendations have now been submitted to the competent authority for further proceedings.
Dr Choudhry Challenges Legality Of Inquiry
Responding to the allegations, Dr Choudhry told the media that he was unaware of the inquiry report.
He questioned whether the proceedings had been conducted according to the applicable legal and procedural requirements.
The Comstech chief claimed that neither a complaint against him nor a show-cause notice had been provided to him. He therefore described the process as a “one-sided inquiry” and argued that the proceedings suffered from serious procedural flaws.
He also questioned the basis of the complaint and argued that an inquiry could not legitimately proceed on what he described as a false complaint.
Dr Choudhry further maintained that the president’s authority as chairman of Comstech derives from OIC procedures. He argued that the president could not, in his capacity as Pakistan’s head of state, unilaterally take action against an OIC body that enjoys diplomatic immunity.
He alleged that the Presidency was being misused and maintained that any inquiry or report prepared without supporting evidence or documentation would have no legal or ethical standing.
According to him, such a report could be challenged before the courts.
Comstech Appointment And Role
Dr Choudhry was initially appointed as Comstech coordinator general by then-president Arif Alvi in 2020 during the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government.
President Zardari subsequently reappointed him for another four-year term in October 2024.
Under Articles 12(2), read with 16(3), of the Comstech statute, the president of Pakistan serves as the appointing authority for the coordinator general.
Comstech was established in January 1981 during the Third Islamic Summit in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Islamabad, the organisation works to promote cooperation in science, technology and research among OIC member states.
The inquiry committee was headed by Dr Asim Hussain, Chancellor of Ziauddin University. Its members included Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Chairman Dr Syed Hussain Abidi, Ministry of Science and Technology Secretary Shahid Iqbal Baloch and Chief Finance and Accounts Officer Muhammad Saeedullah Yousafzai.
The committee’s recommendations now await consideration by the competent authority, while Dr Choudhry has indicated that he may challenge the findings on legal and procedural grounds.