IHC rejects govt’s appeal on PMDC restoration

Athar Minallah directs govt to explain loopholes, if any, in the verdict

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday rejected the federal government’s inter-court appeal challenging the restoration of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) verdict and issued notices to all petitioners.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while heading a two-member division bench, observed that the court’s verdict had spelled out detailed reasons for the restoration of PMDC.

He directed the government to explain loopholes, if any, in the verdict.

The court, while rejecting the federal government’s appeal, sought replies from the petitioners against the Centre’s request for stay order.

It ordered clubbing the inter-court appeal with the petitions against the promulgation of the presidential ordinance.

The hearing of the appeal has been adjourned until March 12.

Last week, the federal government had challenged the IHC decision for the restoration of PMDC and filed an inter-court appeal.

The appeal stated that the court had interfered in an administrative matter which did not fall within its jurisdiction.

It said the single-bench verdict was against the rules set by the Supreme Court.

On February 11, the Islamabad High Court had restored the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and declared the formation of Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) – a body formed through a presidential ordinance in its place – illegal.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the IHC announced the decision on identical petitions filed against the dissolution of PMDC and reinstated the employees of the council.

On October 19, last year, President Dr Arif Alvi had promulgated an ordinance which led to the formation of a new body – PMC – and rendered PMDC dissolved.

The PMC comprised three components – PMDC, National Medical and Dental Academic Board and the National Medical Authority.

The body had been established with the purpose to deal with the issues related to medical education and doctors.

Following the promulgation of the ordinance, the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) through Islamabad district administration and police sealed the PMDC building.

The council was informed that the service of its 220 employees had been terminated.

The PTI government’s move was declared “undemocratic” by the Pakistan Medical Association and led to a series of protests across the country.