LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought complete record of the appointment of Absar Alam as chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

Justice Jawad Hassan was hearing a petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) challenging the appointment of Mr Alam as Pemra chairman.

JAP Chairman Advocate Azhar Siddique alleged that the appointment of journalist Absar Alam was a clear case of nepotism and violation of merit on the part of the federal government. He said the government filled permanent post of Pemra chairman with a temporary appointment. He said judgments of the Supreme Court barred contractual appointments against permanent posts.

The lawyer pointed out that the government had relaxed criteria for the post to accommodate the respondent. He said Rs600,000 salary along with perks and privileges had been fixed for Pemra chairman but the respondent had been drawing additional benefits.

He asked the court to summon record of the Pemra chairman’s appointment as well as remuneration and other facilities being enjoyed by the respondent.

The judge directed the government to furnish the record on March 10.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.