IHC stays all PBS promotions

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday ordered the suspension of all departmental promotions within the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics pending a final decision in an ongoing promotion dispute.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani observed that, for the duration of the proceedings, no promotion shall take effect, and any recommendation or decision of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) will remain contingent upon the court's ultimate ruling.

Justice Kayani was hearing the petition of Ehsanul Haq, an officer of the Bureau, concerning his service promotion. A section officer from the Establishment Division and Assistant Attorney General Usman Ghuman appeared before the bench.

The court noted the existence of an entrenched "culture" in Pakistan whereby individuals who seek judicial redress are subsequently "taught a lesson". It was remarked that when the court issues an adverse order, the affected party often claims that their dignity has been impaired, and groups then coalesce to "teach them a lesson".

Justice Kayani added that although a litigant may at times approach the court on an incorrect premise, negative assumptions nevertheless tend to emerge. Officers, he said, should not be governed by fear, for circumstances can change rapidly.