PTA Chairman Files Appeal Against Islamabad High Court’s Removal Order

Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, has filed an intra-court appeal challenging the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision that ordered his removal from office. The appeal contests the judgment delivered by Justice Babar Sattar, which declared his appointment as chairman unlawful. The appeal, filed under the provisions of the Intra-Court Appeal Ordinance, 1972, argues that the appointment of Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman was conducted in accordance with the law and relevant rules. It asserts that the IHC’s decision to invalidate his appointment was unwarranted. According to the petition, Hafeez Ur Rehman was initially appointed as Member (Administration) of the PTA on May 24, 2023. The following day, on May 25, 2023, he was elevated to the position of chairman. The appeal emphasizes that both appointments were made through due process and within the framework of governing laws. The chairman maintains that he has been fulfilling his responsibilities in strict compliance with legal provisions and regulatory requirements. The appeal seeks to establish the legality of his appointment and requests the court to reinstate him as chairman, a position the IHC had ordered him to vacate immediately. In addition, the PTA chairman has urged the court to schedule an urgent hearing, highlighting the critical nature of the matter, which directly impacts the leadership of a key regulatory authority. The appeal also seeks a suspension of the IHC’s judgment until a final decision is reached on the case. This development adds a new chapter to the ongoing legal battle over the leadership of the PTA, a body responsible for regulating Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.