‘Clarify CDA official’s appointment’

The official doesn’t have requisite experience or education claims petitioner

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the top civic agency of the federal capital have been directed to provide clarifications on objections raised against the appointment of the authority’s environment director.

This was directed on Monday by a single-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, as he heard a petition filed by Asim Riaz through his counsel Barrister Saifur Rehman on Monday.

The counsel maintained that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Environment Director Irfan Niazi did not meet the criteria of experience nor education, as stipulated for his post. Rehman pleaded with the court to remove him.

The lawyer contended that the director had been appointed by former CDA chairman Shafi Sehwani who was a close relative of Niazi.

He further argued that the director did not have the requisite three years’ of experience in the relevant field.

Moreover, the counsel contended that Niazi did not hold a relevant degree with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) declaring that his degree did not match the field of study required for the post of environment director.

Rehman argued that an audit report had also raised objections over Niazi and he was asked to return the salaries he had been receiving.

The barrister further pointed out that the director had been promoted contrary to the rules and regulations.

The court issued notices to all respondents and adjourned the hearing.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2020.