Progress made in non-promotion of bureaucrats’ cases

IHC disposes of petitions in two out of three categories of officers

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of cases regarding promotion of senior civil servants to higher grades in two out of three categories.

About 40 bureaucrats from Grade 18 to Grade 21 had filed cases through their counsels against the Establishment Division for not being promoted in January this year. The first category includes 20 bureaucrats who had not been promoted during the Central Selection Board (CSB) meeting held in January 2020. The second category comprises of those bureaucrats whom the Establishment Division claims that their files were incomplete. While the third consists of officials whose promotions were deferred till next year.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah presided over the hearing. After the consent of the Establishment Division joint secretary, the court disposed of petitions of two categories.

The court adjourned the hearing on the petitions filed by the bureaucrats in the first category till August 6 and sought arguments in the case.

In its order, the court directed the Establishment Division to review the files of the bureaucrats falling in the second category who had submitted incomplete documents. “Details may be sought from the officers’ concerned departments and reviewed. The officers may be considered for promotion in the next CSB meeting if their files are complete.”

The Establishment Division joint secretary apprised the court that 50% of the 40 bureaucrats are those whose promotions had been deferred.

CJ Minallah directed the Establishment Division officials that to countercheck the files of the officers of the second category, a circular be issued to the concerned departments seeking a reply within 10 days.

The joint secretary replied that they had already sought a reply from the concerned departments till August 5.

Regarding the officers of the third category, the Establishment Division joint secretary apprised the court that they will be considered for promotion in the next CSB meeting.

CJ Minallah remarked that the officers of the second and third categories could approach the court if their promotions are deferred again.

A petitioner’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen apprised the court that the officer, whose service is exemplary, has been downgraded. “There is political influence in the appointments of patwari to secretary. An honest officer faces difficulties in this system.”

CJ Minallah sought answers from every officer who did not get promoted.

The joint secretary replied that nearly every officer’s detail is mentioned.