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ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (APP):The Supreme Court heard a case related to alleged illegal recruitment in the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), in which it directed lawyers to come fully prepared on the review petition filed by former federal minister Anwar Saifullah.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar heard the case on Tuesday. During the proceedings, NAB’s counsel argued that former minister Anwar Saifullah had instructed the OGDCL chairman to issue appointment letters.
Justice Hashim Kakar remarked that there is a proper procedure for appointments, including public advertisements, and said, “This is not a monarchy where orders can simply be issued.”
NAB’s lawyer informed the court that the minister’s principal staff officer had recorded in writing that there was parliamentary pressure for jobs, and that appointment letters were sent to the federal minister’s office.
Justice Salahuddin Panhwar observed that people often approach ministers for jobs. In response, Justice Hashim Kakar stated that even if the prime minister issues unlawful orders, civil servants are not bound to comply.
NAB further contended that civil servants face difficulties if they refuse to follow orders, and that overstaffing had taken place in OGDCL. Justice Hashim Kakar remarked that overstaffing exists in many government institutions and suggested that PIA should be compared with international airlines.
NAB’s counsel responded that overstaffing in PIA had contributed to the situation leading to its privatization.
During the hearing, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim noted that at the time of these recruitment, the accountability commission law was not in force. Justice Hashim Kakar responded that the relevant federal minister has already served his sentence, but questioned whether serving the sentence alone is sufficient.
NAB requested the court to dismiss the review petition and uphold the earlier verdict. Justice Hashim Kakar remarked that “a conviction leaves a lasting stain.”
The court adjourned further hearing of the case and directed lawyers to appear with full preparation at the next hearing.