Appointment challenged: IHC issues notices on petition to remove National Library DG

Official was nominated in an FIR where he was accused of harassing a woman

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) after deciding to hear the petition challenging appointment of National Library of Pakistan’s DG, has issued notices to the concerned parties.

The petition occurred in light of harassment allegations against the DG. Justice Amir Farooq of IHC held the hearing for the case in Islamabad.

The petitioner, who was represented by his counsel Advocate GM Chaudhry, requested that the court immediately remove the National Library DG as he was nominated in an FIR in which he was accused of harassing a woman. He added that the appointment should be taken back as it was made in breach of the rules.

The court has issued notices demanding replies from Secretary Establishment, National Library DG, Principal Secretary and other related ministry officials.

No fly list

IHC has admitted the request regarding submission of additional documents against removal of social worker Gulalai Ismail’s name from the Exit Control List. Hearing of the original case will be held on Tuesday.

Justice Athar Manullah of IHC heard the combined petition.

The petition’s counsel Advocate Suleman has acquired court permission for submission of additional documents for the case. Further hearing for removal of name from the no fly list was conducted on Monday.

The court has already issued notices to interior secretary, FIA Director General and Immigration Director General.

Gulalai Ismail was taken into custody by FIA on October 12 when she returned from the UK. After the arrest, the interior ministry had entered her name in the ECL.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2018.