ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has questioned the appointment of retired officer Zaman Wattoo as a member of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board, asking the federal government to explain the legal basis and special qualifications behind his appointment.
Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard a petition filed by citizen Khalid Mahmood challenging the appointment. Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while Advocate Kashif Ali Malik represented the CDA.
During the hearing, the court expressed concern that despite previous directions, the federal government had not yet submitted its response regarding the appointment. The Deputy Attorney General sought additional time to file the government’s reply, which the court allowed.
The Chief Justice directed that the government’s response should specifically explain what special qualifications the retired officer possessed that led to his appointment.
The court also questioned the manner in which the appointment notification was issued. The CDA’s counsel told the court that the notification was issued after approval by the federal cabinet, adding that the officer was among the senior-most officials.
The court further asked about the legal provisions governing the appointment of a retired civil servant as a CDA Board member. Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi referred to Section 14 of the Civil Servants Act, arguing that a retired civil servant cannot be reappointed to a public office.
Justice Sarfraz Dogar also examined the CDA rules, observing that the rules provide for appointment of members by the Board and questioning the scope of the federal government’s authority in the matter.
The court adjourned the hearing after granting the federal government additional time to submit its response.
