While hearing a plea challenging appointment of Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, incumbent Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister on Monday the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notices to federal government in the matter.
A resident of Islamabad Abdul Latif Qureshi invoked the jurisdiction of the IHC against the appointment on various grounds making Federation of Pakistan through Prime Minister of Pakistan, Establishment Division through Secretary, Economic Affairs Division through Secretary, Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) through its chairman as respondents.
Appearing before Chief Justice of the IHC Justice Aamer Farooq, counsel for the petitioner Dr. G.M Chaudhry alleged saying no appointment can be made without advertisement and contract basis for any post in government. He further apprised the bench that Mr. Shah’s has also been appointed as Executive Director World Bank against merit and due process of law being blue-eyed of former PM Mian Shahbaz Sharif in violation of principles of seniority, person belonging to regular services and ignoring so many more competent officers aspiring for the slot. Which is coveted appointment for officers having huge perks and privileges.
Making a point to issue notice to NAB in the matter the petitioner cited same kind of case where illegal appointment of one of the former PM and incumbent Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s close relative Raja Azeemul Haq Minhas as Executive Director World Bank case was sent for inquiry to the top anti-graft body.
The petitioner’ counsel alleged before the bench on Tuesday that Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah was involved in a mega scandal of Rawalpindi Ring Road Project besides 2014 Model Town massacre of innocent citizens participating in their religious gathering which resulted killing of more than 14 persons amid injuring numerous people.
The Counsel sought the court directive to declare appointment of Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah as PS to PM and Executive Director World Bank illegal. After brief hearing of the matter the Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued notices to all the respondents and adjourned the case.
