Interim order in effect: IHC reserves judgement in Nadra chairman's removal

Court says interim order suspending government notifications removing Malik to remain in effect till order released.

ISLAMABAD: After legal counsels for National Database Regulatory Authority (NADRA) chairman Tariq Malik and the government concluded their arguments before the Islamabad High Court on Friday, the court reserved its judgment, Express News reported.

Till the court issues its final verdict, the interim order that stayed Malik’s removal from office, will remain in effect. This will allow the NADRA chairman to remain in office till the final verdict is issued.

“The court said that the interim order, which suspended two government notifications, one removing Tariq Malik and the other appointing another chairman on acting basis, will remain in effect till the detailed judgement is released,” Malik’s lawyer told the media after proceedings concluded on Friday.

Malik's lawyer added that he had challenged all the allegations levelled against the Nadra chairman.

On December 3, Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi of the IHC suspended the notification issued by the establishment division, which ordered the suspension of NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik from his post without substantial reason. The IHC had also suspended the notification of Brig (retd) Zahid Hussain, who was appointed by the government on the same day.