Irregularities alleged in NED University appointments

SHC issues notices to Board of Universities secretary, NED vice chancellor

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Secretary of the Board of Universities, the Vice Chancellor of NED University, and others in a case challenging alleged irregularities in promotions and appointments at NED University.

During the hearing of the petition, the counsel for the petitioner, Danish Rahman, argued through his lawyer, Malik Altaf Javed Advocate.

The petitioner's counsel contended that the university's registrar, controller of examinations, communication manager, additional registrar, and additional registrar (legal) were unlawfully appointed to their positions. It was alleged that despite issuing an advertisement on January 1, 2025, for various positions, the university manipulated the eligibility criteria for the recruitment.

The petitioner's lawyer requested that the court declare the appointments and promotions made at NED University null and void due to the alleged irregularities. The court sought response from the parties.

Iranian petrol, diesel 'trafficker' gets bail

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has granted bail to Asif Mir, a truck driver, who was arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling of Iranian oil. The trial court had previously rejected Mir's bail plea. During the hearing of bail application, his counsel argued that the provisional challan did not mention the market value of the petroleum products.

The state counsel countered that Mir was apprehended at Thatha Pul while transporting Iranian oil in his tanker, from which 8,289 litres of Iranian diesel and 8,161 litres of Iranian petrol were recovered.

The court observed that further investigation was necessary in the case against Mir. The lab report, while confirming the presence of diesel and petrol, did not specify their origin, leaving unclear whether the recovered oil was indeed Iranian. The court also noted that it remained determined whether Mir, as the driver, had knowledge of the petroleum's origin. Ultimately, the court granted bail to Mir against a surety bond of Rs500,000.