ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday struck down the appointment of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, declaring his elevation to the post unlawful.

Justice Babar Sattar announced the reserved verdict on a petition filed by citizen Usama Khilji, who had challenged the legality of the appointment.

In a detailed 99-page judgment, the court held that Mr Rehman’s appointment as both Member (Administration) and later as Chairman PTA was the result of “an unconstitutional and illegal recruitment process.”

Immediate removal ordered
The ruling directed that Mr Rehman be removed with immediate effect and that the senior-most serving member of the PTA assume charge as acting chairman until the federal government makes a permanent appointment.

“As the entire process… has been found to suffer from malice in law, he shall cease to hold these appointments and shall immediately relinquish charge of both offices,” the judgment said.

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The court further directed the federal government to amend the PTA Appointment Rules to lay down clear qualifications, criteria, and procedures for future appointments. It emphasised that the process must be “objective, transparent, and in line with the law.”