The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reinstated on September 18 Major General (Retired) Hafeezur Rehman as Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), setting aside a previous verdict ordering his removal, according to The Express Tribune
A division bench suspended the decision by Justice Babar Sattar, whose single-bench ruling had declared Rehman’s appointment illegal and called for his dismissal.
In that earlier decision, the court had found that Rehman’s appointment did not adhere to legal requirements under the governing ordinance. It suggested that a senior PTA official should act as chairman until a lawful and permanent appointment is made.
The challenge to Rehman’s appointment was brought forward by digital rights activist Usama Khilji, with Advocate Asad Ladha representing him. Khilji’s petition claimed the process violated provisions of the PTA Ordinance, 1972.
Rehman defended his installment, stating he had been first appointed as Member (Administration) on May 24, 2023, and then elevated to PTA Chairman the next day. Following the adverse single-judge ruling, he filed an intra-court appeal.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the division bench agreed to suspend Justice Sattar’s order, thereby reinstating Major General Hafeezur Rehman to his role as head of the telecom regulator.
