WAPDA chief's appointment challenged

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the federal government and other parties in response to a petition challenging the appointment of Lieutenant General (retd) Sajjad Ghani as Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing and directed the respondents to submit their replies within two weeks.

The court also issued a notice on a miscellaneous petition seeking to temporarily bar Ghani from performing his duties until the matter is resolved.

The petitioner, Ashfaq Ahmed Cheema, argued through his counsel, Zainab Janjua, that Ghani's continued tenure violates the cabinet division's rules, which set the age limit for the WAPDA chairman at 65 years. While Ghani was 64 at the time of his appointment, he has surpassed the age limit and remains in office, according to the petition.

The court, in its written order, sought pre-admission responses from all respondents, emphasising the need to address the alleged procedural irregularities in Ghani's appointment.

In August 2022, the Lahore High Court directed a petitioner to submit regulations and copies of the judgements relating to the appointment of the WAPDA chairman.