Verdict reserved on NCCIA staff plea

DG summoned as court questions delay, warns against victimisation

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict in a case concerning 200 employees of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Grades 1 to 15 who have petitioned for regularisation of their services.

The court directed the NCCIA to submit its written reply by tomorrow (Wednesday).

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the petition filed by the 200 employees. NCCIA Director General Khurram Ali appeared before the court.

During the hearing, the judge inquired about the current status of the employees' appointments within the organisation. The DG informed the court that service rules had been drafted and forwarded for approval. He added that approval had been sought for 850 posts, of which 600 had been sanctioned.

The court observed that the matter specifically concerned employees in Grades 1 to 15, noting that the NCCIA is a separate institution. Justice Kayani remarked that the employees had been appointed through due process, including public advertisement and interviews.

"If there are allegations of misconduct against any employee, that is a separate matter and may be examined," the judge said. "However, those against whom there is no misconduct should be regularised in accordance with the applicable criteria." He added that issues relating to employees' fitness could be reviewed by the DG.