PTA Chairman Fights Court Removal Order in Islamabad High Court Appeal
The Islamabad High Court division bench will hear a crucial appeal tomorrow that could determine the future of Pakistan’s telecommunications leadership. Major General (retired) Hafeez ur Rehman filed an intra-court appeal after Justice Babar Sattar declared his appointment as PTA Chairman unconstitutional and unlawful in a detailed 99-page verdict.
Court Battle Over PTA Leadership
Justice Muhammad Asif and Justice Inaam Amin Minhas will review the single bench decision tomorrow. The division bench faces a critical choice about Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s future direction.
The original ruling exposed what Justice Sattar called a “shocking manipulation of rules” in the appointment process, declaring it was “manipulated to favor a preselected candidate”. This verdict sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
Appeal Challenges Original Verdict
The appellants made strong arguments against the single bench decision:
- Lack of proper consideration: They claim the court failed to review all facts and evidence properly
- Justice principles violated: The ruling allegedly goes against basic fairness standards
- Suspension request: They want the removal order suspended until final appeal decision
- Duty continuation: Chairman should keep working during appeal process
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal professionals note that filing intra-court appeals represents a fundamental right for affected parties. The division bench now must balance competing legal arguments about appointment validity.
The case highlights broader concerns about transparency in government appointments. Digital rights advocates originally filed the petition challenging Rehman’s appointment process, raising questions about merit-based selections.
What Happens Next
Tomorrow’s hearing carries significant weight for Pakistan’s telecommunications future. The division bench could:
- Reinstate the chairman immediately if they find the appeal valid
- Uphold the removal if they agree with the single bench reasoning
- Order further review of appointment procedures
The decision will impact not just PTA leadership but also set precedents for challenging government appointments through courts.
This high-profile legal battle demonstrates Pakistan’s judicial system addressing transparency concerns in public sector appointments. The outcome will influence how future appointment challenges proceed through the courts.
