The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily halted the appointment process for the Director General of the Pakistan Halal Authority.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro granted a stay on Saturday. The court also barred the appointment of the Authority’s DG until August 17.
The court issued notices to the federal government, Ministry of Science and Technology and secretary Establishment Division.
Court Puts DG Appointment on Hold
The Pakistan Halal Authority had advertised the vacant DG position on August 9. However, the appointment process has now been temporarily suspended.
The stay followed a petition filed by Akhtar Ahmad Bughyo. His counsel challenged the process and presented arguments regarding his client’s status as Authority DG.
According to the petitioner’s counsel, Bughyo was appointed as the Authority’s DG on a regular basis on April 10, 2020.
The counsel argued that the applicable regulations require the post to be filled through a regular appointment.
Petitioner Challenges Vacancy Process
During the hearing, Bughyo’s counsel said the Authority’s Board had recommended making his appointment regular.
He further argued that the federal government had not rejected the recommendation so far. The petitioner’s side therefore questioned the decision to advertise the DG vacancy on August 9.
The court has temporarily stopped the appointment process while the matter remains under consideration.
IHC Sets August 17 Hearing
After hearing the arguments, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the case. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 17. Until then, the appointment of the Pakistan Halal Authority’s Director General remains on hold under the court’s stay order.
The federal government, Ministry of Science and Technology and Establishment Division secretary have been issued notices in the case.
The court will consider the matter further when the hearing resumes on August 17.
