A file photo of Farooq Awan talking to Express News in Islamabad. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/EXPRESS
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday declared the appointment of chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority illegal and ordered his removal.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf approved the appointment on July 27, 2012.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah issued this order in response to a petition filed by Khawaja Saad Saleem.
The petitioner said PTA Chairman Farooq Ahmed Awan was appointed against the rules.
He added that after Dr Muhammad Yaseen retired as PTA chairman in July, 2012, the vacancy was not advertised nor any application was entertained.
The petitioner argued that Awan’s appointment was against the objects, scheme and provisions of the Telecommunication Act. He also said it is in violation of Articles 4, 8, 9, 18 and 25 of the constitution.
He had prayed the court to strike down the appointment of Awan as member and chairman of PTA for being in violation of the PTA Act and the Constitution.
COMMENTS (6)
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PTA Chairman Farooq Ahmed Awan is the culprit of enhancing the overseas calls landing changes and depriving overseas Pakistanis of low cost telephone calls to their near and dear ones. Put him in jail.
That's why they close mobile service on daily basis and increased that much taxes, definitely they have asked telecommunication companies a good sum of money to continue their service which they were not paying.
How about the appointment of Registrar Supreme Court? The courts have created a mess with the country. How can a government function, if bureaucracy or organs of the state are not allowed to work.
Consider ex USF CEO who had telecom background. But these technocrats demand high pay bcz they donot believe in corruption
Will that have any affect on reducing the rates on incoming International calls?