LAHORE ( MEDIA REPORT )
The Lahore High Court issued notices to the federal government and telecommunications ministry on a petition challenging appointment of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) Chairman Syed Ismail Shah.
Representing the petitioner, Advocate Sheraz Zaka argued that the four-year term of incumbent PTA chairman expired in September. However, the respondent was given a two-year extension in sheer violation of Section 3 of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority Act 1996. Dawn reported.
The counsel said as per law, the federal government was supposed to make a new appointment after expiry of the non-extendable four-year term of the respondent chairman. But, he said, the government did not advertise the post and gave extension to the respondent.
He asked the court to set aside the extension in service given to the PTA chairman and order the government to appoint a new official after following due process.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Shahid Karim issued notices to the government and the telecom ministry for Dec 21
Earlier A five member committee, constituted by the federal government, has approved extension to Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr. Syed Ismail Shah, and Member (Finance), Tariq Sultan, for the next four years term.
The committee also included Secretary Information Technology, Additional Secretary Law Division, Additional Secretary Establishment Division, and Additional Secretary Cabinet Division. Interior Minister chaired the committee.