ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised concerns over the qualifications of the chairperson of the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) while hearing an appeal filed by the institution, with judges questioning how the matter had been pursued despite an admission of lacking legal knowledge.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail heard the case and repeatedly questioned the legal competence of the office.

Justice Shahid Waheed observed that the appeal itself stated the ombudsperson lacked knowledge of the law and noted that an affidavit to the same effect had also been submitted.

Justice Mandokhail remarked that people approached FOSPAH to seek justice and questioned what relief could be expected if its chairperson was unfamiliar with the law.

He further observed that the appeal appeared to be time-barred and asked how it had been filed despite the stated lack of legal knowledge.

During the proceedings, counsel for the ombudsperson argued that the legal issue before the court was whether the Service Tribunal had jurisdiction to hear cases involving employees of the ombudsperson’s office.

The counsel said guidance had been sought from the Supreme Court on the matter.

When asked by Justice Shahid Waheed to identify the chairperson, the counsel informed the bench that Fauzia Waqar held the position.

Justice Shahid Waheed questioned whether the court should issue observations recommending the chairperson’s removal from office.

He also asked why the appeal should not be dismissed with costs.

Following the court’s observations, counsel for the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment withdrew the appeal.

The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed the case on the basis of the withdrawal.