I S L A M A B A D : Reference to a news item titled `PTPs `favourite` being tipped as Smeda head` published on Oct 10, the ministry of industries and production in a release clarifies that the post has been lying vacant since March 28, 2019 af ter the charge relinquishment of ex-CEO Mr. Sher Ayub Khan, due to which, dayto-day affairs of the organisation were af fected.

Therefore, for the smooth functioning ofSmeda and in pursuance of federal cabinet`s decision regarding the appointments of CEOs/ heads of department, the post of CEO was advertised in national press, as per law, on July 12, 2019.

The release says applications are still being scrutinised, and no interviews have yet been conducted.

Hence, the news is out of context. As per the Smeda statute, BoD is competent to hold a meeting of the board with the requisite quorum.