ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a notice to the federal government on Thursday over the appointment of Naeem Bukhari as chairman Pakistan Television (PTV) board and managing director of the state-run television.
Chief Justice of IHC Athar Minallah presided over the hearing of the petition of citizen Arsalan Farrukh through his counsel wherein he pleaded that Bukhari’s appointment was not according to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court.
“What is illegal in the notification,” Justice Minallah asked the counsel during the proceedings while referring to the notification issued by the government on November 24.
The lawyer prayed upon the court that the position was not advertised for in any newspaper, which is mandatory.
“Naeem Bukhari is also over 65 years,” the counsel further prayed.
The petitioner's counsel also cited SC’s judgment on Ataul Haq Qasmi’s appointment as director and chairman of PTV for reference.
“The decision of the Supreme Court must be obeyed,” justice Minallah remarked.
After hearing the arguments, IHC issued a notice to the federal government directing it to submit its response within two weeks.
The court also summoned the Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan for assistance in the matter.
The petitioner had also challenged the appointment of two board members Syed Asghar Nadeem and Wasim Raza along with Bukhari.
On November 24, the information ministry sent out notification of Bukhari's appointment as a PTV board member and the director of the state-run channel.
The notification further stated that the government has also approved the nomination of Shahzad Naeem Bukhari as the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC) Board Chairman in line with the Pakistan Television Corporation’s Memorandum & Articles of Association (Article 95 / 95A).
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