ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has served notices to finance minister Ishaq Dar and two secretaries on account of approving salary, perks and privileges of former chairman of the state-run Pakistan Television Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi.
The apex court has issued notices to then federal information secretary Muhammad Azam and then finance secretary Waqar Masood directing them to appear in person on July 9.
The order further directed that summons to Ishaq Dar be issued and affixed at his permanent residence in Lahore as he is reportedly gone abroad.
On Thursday, former information minister Pervaiz Rashid appeared in the Supreme Court, and stated that the appointment of Qasmi as chairman PTV along with his salary and privileges were in accordance to law.
Chief Justice Saqib Nisar asked on what basis Attaullah enjoyed the perks of his job fin personal capacity. Ishaq Dar and the two secretaries were summoned and noticed were issued on Friday.
Attorney General informed the court that prior to Attaullah’s appointment, there were four chairmen of PTV and none of them including Pervaiz Rashid didn’t take any privilege. “Attaullah Qasmi was hired as Managing Director, not even as chairman, yet he enjoyed all privileges,” he noted.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ordered Qasmi to appear before the court within four hours, as his counsel argued that federal government has the prerogative to hire chairman PTV, but the courts don’t have the jurisdiction to evaluate it.
However, the top court censured the statement of Qasmi’s lawyer, and stated that the matter comes under the purview of public appointment and the court can review it. “The government violated rules and regulation to appoint Ata ul Haq Qasmi for the post,” the chief justice had remarked.
The requirement for age was relaxed for Qasmi with an ill-intent to make his appointment, he added.
The apex court remarked that the verdict of the case will be limited to only Attaullah Haq Qasmi which will be announced on July 9.
