IHC Removes PTA Chairman Over Illegal Appointment

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the removal of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman. Justice Babar Sattar issued the decision on Tuesday while announcing a reserved judgment. The court ruled that the chairman’s appointment did not follow legal procedures. Therefore, it declared the appointment unlawful. The decision came after a petition challenged the legality of his selection.

The court found major flaws in the appointment process. It observed that the selection process lacked transparency and did not meet legal requirements. According to the judgment, the government did not follow proper recruitment rules. As a result, the court concluded that the appointment could not be upheld. The detailed judgment spans 99 pages and outlines the legal reasoning.

In response, the IHC has ordered the chairman’s immediate removal. The ruling clearly states that he must leave office without delay. The court stressed that appointments to such positions must comply with the law. Any deviation from legal procedures sets a dangerous precedent. Therefore, the court emphasized accountability in public appointments.

To maintain institutional continuity, the court issued further instructions. It directed that a senior PTA member take over as acting chairman. This step is meant to ensure that PTA operations are not disrupted. The court said a permanent chairman should be appointed soon. However, that appointment must strictly follow all legal requirements.

The ruling highlights the importance of lawful recruitment in public offices. Legal experts say this decision could impact future government appointments. The court has reinforced that no individual is above the law. Transparency and due process must guide every public sector hiring. The government is now expected to follow the court’s order without delay.