IHC orders corrected ad for patwari posts

Issues direction in case concerning private individuals performing official duties in Islamabad’s patwar circles

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the Islamabad administration to issue a corrected advertisement for patwari posts. Judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani criticised the administration, stating, “You have now even created a constitutional court, yet the work is still not being done,” he said.

Justice Kayani added, “Try appointing someone from Islamabad in Punjab or Sindh. In Rawalpindi, a patwari from Chakwal isn’t appointed, nor is someone from Rawalpindi posted in Jhelum. I don’t know what happens to you when it comes to Islamabad”.

The original advertisement had proposed that individuals across the country could apply for the posts and would be hired based on a quota system.

Justie Kayani stated that everything was being facilitated for the authorities. “Every matter has a judgment. You took an oath not to act in bad faith. There is no punishment for a mistake, but these are local posts — how can candidates from all provinces be appointed? This court has several verdicts. The quota system is uniform across Pakistan”.

Justice Kayani added that dishonesty and misuse of tools are widespread, which is why local body elections are not held. He remarked, “Now you have even established a constitutional court, yet work is still not being done. Everything is for your benefit. Judgements have been issued on every matter. Do not act in bad faith. Mistakes are not punishable”.

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Hearing a case concerning private individuals performing official duties in Islamabad’s patwar circles, Justice Kayani criticised the administration for failing to publish a proper advertisement for the posts. “Does every task have to be completed only after contempt proceedings? The Deputy Commissioner, this court had convicted, was awarded a medal by the president”.

Justice Kayani warned: “If I issue a contempt notice, I will not act like Justice Babar Sattar and grant time. I will have you handcuffed and sent to jail immediately. Your medals can stay here. You have created a constitutional court, yet still no work is being done”.

The judge directed that a revised advertisement be issued before the next hearing. The case was adjourned until next month.