LHC seeks reply in principal appointment case: FJMC

Chief, Health secretaries of Punjab issued notices by the LHC.

LAHORE: A professor, who got the Lahore High Court (LHC) to stop the government from appointing a new principal at the Fatima Jinnah Medical College (FJMC) in June, has returned to the court, seeking action against over what she claims is a violation of the court's stay order.

Professor Dr Nazifa Ahmad of the Pathology Department through her counsel Advocate Mian Jaffer Hussain moved the LHC on Wednesday in a contempt of court petition for appointing a principal at the FJMC despite the stay orders. The court has sought replies from the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Health Secretary.

Dr Nazifa had contended that she was the most senior professor at the college and was eligible for the post of principal, however, the government had completely ignored her in the selection process.

She had approached the LHC earlier and the court had issued a stay order on her request on June 27, 2012, stopping the process of principal appointment in FJMC. However, respondents flouted the court’s order and had appointed Dr Fakhar Imama as the new principal on July 12, 2012.

She prayed that the court would initiate contempt of court proceedings against the Chief Secretary and the Health Secretary.

After hearing initial arguments, the LHC issued notices to both the respondents and sought replies from them within ten days.