Procedural shortcomings: Reply sought over Maryam’s appointment

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court on Thursday sought a reply from Maryam Nawaz by November 5 while hearing a petition against her appointment as chairperson of the youth loan programme.

Zubair Niazi had filed the petition, saying she had been appointed due to nepotism.

On a previous hearing, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah had remarked that the government would have to explain under what law public money was being used for political purposes.

The judge expressed concern over control of public money given to an individual of the ruling family.

The petitioner’s counsel, Sheraz Zaka, had argued that the government appointed Maryam Nawaz chairperson of the youth loan program in November last year.

He said no public notice had been issued and there had been no advertisements for the post before the appointment was made.

He said consultation with the Council of Common Interest was mandatory for such programmes but the appointment was made without following procedure.

He said Maryam’s appointment was in violation of Anita Trab’s case wherein the Supreme Court had laid down a procedure for the government while making appointments.

He asked the court to set aside her appointment and to restrain her from working until the petition was disposed of.

A deputy attorney general sought time to file reply on behalf of the federal government. The court will resume hearing on November 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2014.