Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui restrained FBR Chairman Ali Arshad Hakeen from performing his duties.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui restrained FBR Chairman Ali Arshad Hakeen from performing his duties. The court passed the order in response to a petition filed by Ashfaq Ahmed, a member of the Inland Revenue Service, in late February, stating that Hakeem was appointed illegally.
Sameer Ahmed informed the bench that his senior counsel Salman Akram Raja was busy in the apex court and requested for an adjournment. The federal government had appointed Hakeem as chairman FBR in July 2012.
The petitioner’s counsel Barrister Zafarullah had argued that Hakeem was not qualified for the post of FBR chairman and the establishment division had not followed the procedure for his appointment. He had contended that according to the FBR Act, 2007, the government was bound to appoint a most competent person with relevant experience through a transparent process. He had alleged that Hakeem was a former civil servant, who had joined the Customs Group in 1987 but started his private business after leaving civil service, a few years later.
He had requested the court to declare his appointment illegal and to direct the federal government to make a new appointment on merit.
PTV MD next in line
In a separate case, the head of state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV) might be in hot water, after the IHC asked PTV to produce his appointment orders before the court on Tuesday’s hearing.
Justice Siddiqui issued the order in response to a petition filed by former PTV Managing Director (MD) Ashraf Azeem, who had challenged his termination in 2007. On Monday, when Justice Siddiqui resumed hearing, Azeem’s counsel Anwar Hamid informed the court that his client was appointed MD for three years on contract in May 2006 , but was removed from service in March 2007. He informed the court that four years on, his client had not been restored and his salary was withheld.
Shahid Mehmood Khokhar opposed the argument on PTV’s behalf, contending that after his removal, the government had appointed him as president Institute of Regional Studies on contract where he has been employed for two years. He argued that for the recovery of his dues, the petitioner should approach a civil court, stating that the IHC is not the right platform.
The court asked PTV’s counsel about the status of the incumbent PTV MD and specifically whether he was appointed on merit.
“No blue-eyed boys will be allowed in state-run television. Today I have sent home the FBR chairman; I won’t spare those who violate rules,” Justice Siddiqui observed.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2013.
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