Islamabad High Court Orders Removal of Hafeezur Rehman as PTA Chairman, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rendered the appointment of Major General (Retired) Hafeezur Rehman as Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) unlawful and directed his immediate removal. Justice Babar Sattar, in a detailed 99-page verdict issued on September 16, 2025, highlighted severe deficiencies in the recruitment and appointment process. Arab News+3Dawn+3The News International+3
What the Court Found
- Illegal Creation of the Post
The verdict states that the role of Member (Administration)—to which Rehman was first appointed—was not provided under the original PTA Appointment Rules. The government later attempted to amend rules, but the process failed to comply with required legal standards. The News International+1 - Violation of PTA Appointment Rules
According to Rule 4(4) of the PTA Appointment Rules, the selection committee was permitted to recommend just one candidate for the post. Instead, it recommended a panel of three. Further, the government picked the candidate lowest in the panel without explaining the rationale or merit, in violation of Section 24A of the General Clauses Act, 1897, which requires fairness and reasoned decision-making. Dawn+2The News International+2 - Lack of Transparency or Objective Basis
The court emphasised that the selection process lacked integrity. The promotion of Rehman from Member (Administration) to Chairman was undertaken without a transparent or objective basis, and without documenting why he was chosen over others. The process was described as illegal, irrational, and unsustainable in law. Dawn+1
What the Verdict Orders
- Immediate Removal of Hafeezur Rehman from both positions: Member (Administration) and Chairman of PTA. Dawn+1
- Temporary Appointment: Until a lawful replacement is finalized, the most senior serving member of PTA is to assume the role of acting chairman. Dawn+1
- Invalidation of All Related Decisions: Any steps taken during the recruitment process or after based on the illegal appointment have “no legal effect.” Dawn+1
Rehman’s Response
Major General (Retired) Hafeezur Rehman has filed an intra-court appeal challenging the IHC decision. He maintains that his appointments were made under due legal process and aims to establish their validity. He has also requested an urgent hearing and sought suspension of the decision until final adjudication. ProPakistani
Implications & Significance
- Precedent for Transparent Appointments: The judgment underscores the importance of following proper procedures when creating posts and making key appointments, especially in regulatory bodies.
- Legal Oversight: It reaffirms judicial oversight over administrative decisions and the necessity for government bodies to act fairly and with transparency.
- Regulatory Stability: Until a permanent, legally valid Chairman is appointed, operations of the PTA may see interim uncertainty under acting leadership.
Conclusion
The Islamabad High Court’s decision to remove Hafeezur Rehman as PTA Chairman is more than just a personnel change — it points to lapses in legal procedure, flawed rule-making, and lack of transparency in public appointments. The judgment sends a strong signal that even high-profile appointments must be grounded in law. Whether Rehman’s appeal succeeds remains to be seen, but the verdict already marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s judiciary and administrative oversight.
