ISLAMABAD: In a major setback for the Capital Development Authority, the Islamabad High Court has restrained the civic agency from inducting new directors general in BS 20, intensifying a growing dispute over stalled promotions and controversial administrative practices within the authority.

Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas issued the stay order while hearing a contempt petition filed by CDA officer Iftikhar Haideri. The petitioner argued that despite being recommended for promotion to BS 20 by the Departmental Promotion Committee, the authority had failed to elevate him and other eligible officers.

The case took a dramatic turn after the CDA advertised three director general positions on April 17, seeking candidates with 16 years of education and 25 years of government service. The advertisement also stated that retired commissioned officers in BS 20 would be given preference, triggering allegations that the authority was bypassing its own service regulations.

Under the CDA Employees Regulations 1992, appointments to the post of director general are to be made exclusively through promotion. The petitioner contended that the fresh recruitment drive was a deliberate attempt to sideline deserving officers and defy court directions requiring the authority to submit minutes of the promotion committee meeting.

The court issued notices to CDA Chairman Lt retired Sohail Ashraf, Member Administration Esfandyar Baloch and senior human resource officials, seeking explanations for the alleged non-compliance and proposed inductions.

The controversy has also spotlighted serious governance concerns within the CDA. Official records show some officers are holding multiple additional charges, including one BS 18 deputy director managing seven major assignments, while more than 200 officers have reportedly been sidelined. Insiders say the arrangement has undermined efficiency and fueled accusations of favoritism at the highest levels of the authority.