Amer Hashmi is the former Chairman of Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). In August 2022, Mr Hashmi tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who is also the president of the Board of Governors of STZA.
The resignation came after a series of violations were reported and a NAB probe was initiated for illegal appointment of the chairman and other key position holders. Hashmi’s appointment as the chairman cost billions of rupees to the national exchequer.
According to sources, Hashmi who was initially Chief Strategy Officer of the National University of Sciences and Technology from where he was sacked due to charges of corruption.
Illegal Appointment of Amer Hashmi as Chairman STZA
A number of key appointments at the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), including that of its Chairman Amer Ahmed Hashmi and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Masroor Ahmed Qureshi, were done illegally
The authority, created for the development of scientific and technological ecosystem, aims to build knowledge ecosystems, explore and boost Pakistan’s IT potential and promote entrepreneurial and tech-driven future.
Despite these high-flying objectives, the STZA had failed to make a smooth take-off because of the illegal appointments at its key position, the official sources said. According to documents available with the Bol News the entire process of selection of STZA’s Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and other executives was done in violation to the laid down selection process.
Nab Inquiry against Amer Hashmi
National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had taken notice of irregular appointments in the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA).
NAB chairman had tasked the NAB Rawalpindi DG to probe into irregular appointments in STZA.
As per the complaints received by NAB, the appointments of the chairman Amer Ahmed Hashmi, COO Masroor Ahmed Qureshi, and other preferred individuals caused damage worth billions of rupees to the national exchequer.
Corruption Charges & Sacking from NUST
According to sources, Amer Hashmi who was initially Chief Strategy Officer of the National University of Sciences and Technology from where he was sacked due to charges of corruption. He was allegedly using government funds to book private holidays and the authorities took notice of that.
Background of Amer Hashmi
Amer Hashmi is an IT executive and entrepreneur, specializing in National Economic Development, Public Policy Framework, International Relations and Corporate Strategy.
Hashmi became the Advisor and Chief Strategy Officer of the National University of Sciences and Technology from where he was later sacked allegedly due to corruption charges. He has also served as the Chairman of the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP) committee.
Mr. Hashmi graduated from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from York University in Toronto, Canada.
