Legalities: Lashari appointment as WCLA’s DG challenged

LHC orders petitioner to fix flaws in his application

LAHORE: The appointment of Kamran Lashari as Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) director general has been challenged in Lahore High Court (LHC).

Petitioner Zubair Khan Niazi submitted that the Supreme Court had ordered action against Lashari over charges related to corruption at the Capital Development Authority, which he had headed previously. He said no action had been taken against him.Niazi said that after his retirement, Lashari was appointed WCLA DG without an advertisement to fill the office.

Sheraz Zaka, counsel for Niazi, submitted that under the Supreme Court directive, no retired officer could be reappointed. He requested the court to declare the appointment unlawful. He said the government should be directed to advertise the post and make an appointment on merit.

Appearing on behalf of the government, Assistant Advocate General Anwarul Hussain said Lashari was leading a crackdown on illegal construction activities in the Walled City. He said the application had been filed to bring pressure on Lashari. He also pointed out flaws in the petition with regard to the list of respondents. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah ordered the petitioner to fix the flaws, and put off hearing till May 30.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2016.