IHC Seeks Islamabad Chief Commissioner Response over Unfilled Posts

ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday sought clarification from Chief Commissioner of the federal capital on his dual roles and the issue of numerous vacant posts, including that of a Labour Inspector.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, while adjudicating a matter relating to out of turn promotion of a Labour Officer, questioned why the chief commissioner was also holding the position of Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

“It seems the chief commissioner prefers the CDA chair more than his primary role,” Justice Kayani remarked. He directed the chief commissioner to focus on his main responsibilities and provide an explanation for the vacant positions under his authority. The court’s observations came during the hearing of a petition about an officer who was elevated to Labour Inspector and then Labour Officer, superseding eight senior officials. Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi apprised the court the chief commissioner was simultaneously acting as the chairman of the CDA.

The IHC noted that judicial precedents require these two offices to be held by separate individuals. Justice Kayani expressed his surprise that despite the high rate of unemployment, several slots, including four Labour Inspector positions in Islamabad, remained unfilled.

He compared the situation to the patwari system, where officers often delegate their duties. It is pertinent to mention that delegation of such duties to MUNISHIS are totally illegal as such MUNSHIS existence in the revenue matters is strengthening corruption since a long – the situation calls immediate attention of the people at the helm to streamline accountability for fair delivery across the board without discrimination.

The court also expressed astonishment over the officer’s promotion history, noting that he was initially superseded, then promoted after a writ petition was dismissed, and later transferred to a new cadre. “If he was such an extraordinary officer, he should have been directly appointed Deputy Commissioner,” Justice Kayani observed. After issuing directives to chief commissioner submit a detailed report in the matter, the court adjourned hearing of the matter till next month.