Ashraf claimed that as far as his interpretation of the court’s order goes, the governing board has been restored. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The SC had earlier issued a stay order against Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order of May 17, where it had reinstated Ashraf as the board’s chairman. The top court put Sethi back in charge and its next hearing took place on Tuesday.
Ahmed Raza Kasuri represented the sacked employees of PCB, while Afnan Kundi and Imtiaz Siddiqi represented Ashraf. IPC’s representative was Asma Jahangir and the counsel for PCB consisted of Taffazzul Rizvi and Makhdoom Ali Khan.
“Ashraf’s lawyer sought time from the SC to file some more papers, and thus the hearing was adjourned for two weeks,” a PCB official present during the hearing told The Express Tribune.
“For now, Sethi remains the chairman and has the power to manage day-to-day affairs of the PCB, as the situation before May 17 has been reverted.”
Meanwhile, Ashraf’s lawyers had also filed a contempt of court petition against Sethi assuming the PCB mantle despite a stay from the SC. The petition nominated the Management Committee (MC) of the PCB but did not include the IPC.
Additionally, Ashraf became a direct party in the case which has led to reservations in the PCB camp.
“Sethi assumed office only after clear instructions from the IPC, then why have Ashraf and his lawyers nominated only the MC, why not the IPC,” another PCB official said.
“Why is Ashraf becoming a party in the case this time, why not earlier? The timing of his plea should be noticed by the SC.”
Election process may be derailed
There are fears that the election process could be delayed after Ashraf’s lawyers sought time for filing necessary papers, as the MC had already backed approval of constitution and holding of elections as soon as possible.
It should be mentioned here that the MC was brought in to hold elections and their tenure is ending on June 9. However, this two-week period is likely to postpone the process and an extension might be required to complete it.
Governing board restored, claims Ashraf
Ashraf claimed that as far as his interpretation of the court’s order goes, the governing board has been restored.
“The governing board is reinstated, because the judges said that they had not suspended the IHC’s decision and had only issued a stay against it,” stated Ashraf.
He added that the question regarding the genuine chairman will only be cleared once the detailed order is be released.
However, when contacted, Sethi declared Ashraf’s remarks staggering and insulting.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2014.
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