Sir: A few days ago, I read an article in which the writer criticised the Punjab government for appointing junior officers to senior posts. I think what matters is the outcome, the competence and ability of those who are at the helm of affairs and not grades because running an office without competence is as much a sin as competence without confidence. While appointing officials to important positions, I believe the Punjab government is following the principle that there is no substitute for competence. Therefore, ensuring that officers are competent and proficient is more important than their ranking. The criteria for serving at high posts should be competence, courage and willingness to serve. We need to understand that when the competent men of the system are compelled to quit, the system will soon quit itself. Therefore, the need of the hour is to change this mindset. Only then will Pakistan be able to make progress by leaps and bounds.SYED ALI QASIMLahore