IHC seeks explanation over appointment of retired officer as CDA board member

ISLAMABAD, Oct 07 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted the federal government more time to submit its response in a case challenging the appointment of retired officer Zaman Wattoo as a member of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board.

Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by a citizen, Khalid.

During the hearing, Deputy Attorney General Raja Arshad Kayani and CDA counsel Kashif Ali Malik appeared before the court. The Deputy Attorney General sought additional time to submit the government’s response.

The petitioner’s counsel, Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi, read out the notification regarding the appointment of Zaman Wattoo on the court’s direction.

The Chief Justice questioned how the notification could have been issued. CDA counsel replied that the federal government had issued it after approval by the cabinet, adding that the officer was among the most senior officials.

The court questioned the legal provisions concerning the appointment of a retired civil servant as a CDA Board member.

The petitioner’s counsel referred to Section 14 of the Civil Servants Act, arguing that a retired civil servant could not be reappointed to a public office.

The CDA counsel, however, maintained that the appointment of the chairman and board members was made by the federal government.

The Chief Justice questioned the specific qualifications on the basis of which the retired officer had been appointed.

The court granted time for submission of para-wise comments and directed the parties to submit their responses before the next hearing. It also directed the government to specifically explain the special qualifications of the retired officer that formed the basis of his appointment.

The court subsequently adjourned the hearing.