Islamabad:
The High Court of Islamabad (IHC) said on Tuesday the appointment of Hafezur Rehman as president of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) illegal and ordered the authorities to immediately remove it from the office.
The decision has occurred after the court accepted a petition contesting the appointment of Rehman, filed by the activist of digital rights Usama Khilji through the lawyer Asad Ladha.
Judge Babar Sattar, who heard the case, reserved his judgment during a previous hearing after asking for the written arguments of the respondents. The detailed verdict extends over 99 pages.
The court said that the appointment was not legally valid and ordered that a member of PTA senior be appointed acting president until a permanent and legal appointment is made. Later, Rehman challenged the decision of the IHC.
According to Express News, the appeal was filed under the 1972 ordinance. The appellant, who currently held the post of PTA president, argued that he was appointed member (administration) on May 24, 2023 and was promoted a day later in the post of President.
In his petition, Rehman argued that he had exercised his functions “in accordance with laws and regulations” and declared that the appeal was aimed at establishing the legality of his appointment.
The appeal noted that the Sattar judge of the IHC had reserved the judgment reserved, declaring his illegal appointment. Rehman also asked the court to resolve his call for an urgent hearing.
