The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted respondents a final opportunity to submit their replies in a petition challenging the appointment of Ambreen Jan as chairperson of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
After hearing arguments from all parties, the court adjourned the proceedings until August 5. It also directed the respondents to submit their responses before the next hearing.
Court Hears Petition Against PEMRA Chairperson’s Appointment
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by Sohail Sajjad Rana. During the proceedings, lawyers representing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, PEMRA, and Ambreen Jan requested additional time to file their replies.
However, the petitioner’s counsel, Shahid Mehmood Khokhar, opposed the request. He argued that the respondents were delaying the proceedings instead of submitting their responses.
Furthermore, he urged the court to schedule an early hearing because the matter involved significant public importance.
Cabinet Division Explains Its Position
During the hearing, the Cabinet Division’s representative informed the court that the division had no role in the appointment process.
The representative further stated that the Cabinet Division had been bypassed during the appointment and was not involved in the relevant decision-making.
The statement became one of the key developments during the proceedings as the court reviewed the challenge to the appointment.
Judge Grants One Last Opportunity
While considering the requests for more time, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir observed that the court had already exercised restraint during the proceedings.
He remarked, “I am giving the last chance. The parties should file their replies before the next hearing.”
The judge also noted that the court could have suspended the notification regarding Ambreen Jan’s appointment at the petitioner’s request. However, the court chose not to take that step.
Instead, it decided to provide the respondents with one final opportunity to present their written replies.
Next Hearing Scheduled for August 5
Following the hearing, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the case until August 5.
At the same time, the court directed all respondents to submit their replies before the next date of hearing.
The petition challenging the appointment of PEMRA Chairperson Ambreen Jan will now proceed after the respondents file their responses, allowing the court to examine the matter further during the next hearing.
