‘Do you not know how to write a report?'

IHC reprimands housing ministry’s joint secretary

ISLAMABAD: The joint secretary of the housing ministry came under strict criticism in court on Thursday and was directed to record his statement immediately.

This was directed by Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Justice Amir Farooq as he heard a case filed by a subordinate of the Federal Ombudsman over the allotment of government residences of officials.

As the case was taken up, Justice Farooq asked who is the joint secretary who has submitted the written reply to the court?

At this, Housing Ministry’s Joint Secretary Asmatullah Shah appeared before the court and identified himself as the concerned officer.

Justice Farooq asked him whether he knew how to write a report or not? How did you ever become a secretary?

“Are reports submitted in the court by just writing questions and their answers?” Justice Farooq said, adding that he was issuing a show cause notice against the joint secretary for initiating contempt of court proceedings.

The court also expressed disappointment with the secretary’s behaviour.

Shah expressed the desire to submit an unconditional apology, but Justice Farooq stated that the notice will be routed through the Establishment Division so that it is included in his permanent record.

The joint secretary pleaded that he wished to say something, but Justice Farooq reprimanded him and stated that the bureaucrat was not permitted to say anything.

Justice Farooq further remarked that first, you commit corruption then try to absolve yourself of all blame.

The court directed Deputy Attorney General Raja Khalid Mehmood that he record the statement of the joint secretary immediately.

“If he does not know English, record the statement in Urdu.

If he does not know Urdu, get it done in Punjabi. If he does not know that, then get a statement in Pashto.”

Justice Farooq further remarked that the one who has favour can reach above, but the one who does not gets noting. The case was subsequently adjourned for hearing until December 7. 

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