K-P govt to submit reply in civil judge hiring case

PESHAWAR: A divisional bench of Peshawar High Court on Friday ordered the provincial government to file a reply for making two-year experience mandatory for the post of a civil judge. The provincial government has been asked to submit a reply within three days.

The bench, comprising Justice Qaiser Rasheed and Justice Roohul Amin Chamkani, heard a petition filed by Waheedullah, Abdul Nasir, Muhammad Shakil and Kamran Khan. The justices were informed the provincial government in 2013 had advertised 129 posts of civil judges. At the time of advertisement, only a bachelor of laws degree was required for applying to the posts.

Petitioners’ lawyers, including Aminur Rahman and Mumtaz Ahmad, said the government claims it introduced amendments in light of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s judgment. However, the petitioners contended these amendments were unconstitutional, due to which 2,500 applicants were rendered ineligible.

Additional Advocate General Mian Arshad Jan requested the court to grant the government some time to file the reply, after which the hearing was adjourned till January 26.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2016.