IHC Orders Removal of PTA Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman

ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: In a landmark ruling, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the immediate removal of Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman from the post of Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Justice Babar Sattar, in a detailed 99-page verdict, declared his appointment illegal, noting that the post of Member (Administration) was created and tailored specifically to accommodate him. The court described this as a mala fide exercise of power, violating constitutional norms and transparency requirements.

The judgment stressed that regulatory appointments must be based on merit and fairness, not political or personal considerations. Until a new chairman is lawfully appointed, the senior-most serving member of the PTA will take over in an interim capacity.

The ruling has been widely viewed as a significant step toward reinforcing accountability and upholding the rule of law in Pakistan’s regulatory institutions.