The Supreme Court will initiate action against the management of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) for recruiting 686 people in violation of rules of business.
“We would like to ensure transparency and end nepotism in the recruitment process,” Justice Javed Iqbal remarked during the hearing of a case on illegal appointments in PQA.
Deposed PQA secretary Abdul Jabbar Memon had challenged the direct appointment of Mehmood Zameer Farooqi in grade 18 as deputy secretary Port Qasim Authority. Farooqi is a brother-in-law of Federal Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim. Memon was suspended for opposing Farooqi’s selection in breach of rules.
PQA Chairman Admiral (retd) Muhammad Shafi, who appeared before the court along with the record, said in his defence that the former chairman is responsible for the recruitment.
The chairman and Secretary Ports and Shipping Muhammad Saleem Khan had been summoned by the three-member bench headed by Justice Javed Iqbal. The chairman has not been restrained from hiring new candidates but he should ensure transparency and merit in the selection process, observed Justice Javed Iqbal.
The bench asked Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Maulvi Anwarul Haq to state under what authority were the appointments made. The AGP submitted that the Prime Minister suggested the court constitute a commission to review all 686 appointments. The proposal has already been shot down in a previous hearing.
Memon submitted that the court’s order regarding his salary and allowances is yet to be implemented. The court directed the AGP to implement the order and submit a report within two weeks. The case has been adjourned.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2011.
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