PTA chairman challenges IHC ruling on removal

Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman, has challenged the decision of his removal and filed an intra-court appeal.

The PTA, as Pakistan’s telecom regulator, plays a central role in policy oversight, spectrum allocation, and internet governance.IHC removes PTA chairman over illegal appointment

The Islamabad High Court’s judgment had declared his appointment illegal and ordered his removal.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday filed the appeal under the 1972 Ordinance.

In his appeal, he has contested the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision that invalidated his appointment.

Hafeezur Rehman was appointed first as Member (Administration) on May 24, 2023, and elevated to chairman the following day. In his petition, he has argued that he has been performing his duties in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The appeal was submitted to establish the legality of his appointment, requesting the court for an urgent hearing.

Earlier in the day, Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC, in a 99-page reserved judgment, ruled that the appointment of the PTA chairman was legally flawed. The court had also ruled that the process of elevation had not fulfilled statutory requirements and therefore could not be upheld.

The ruling directed the immediate removal of Hafeezur Rehman from his post. It also directed that a senior PTA member should assume charge as acting chairman until a new appointment is lawfully made.

The decision followed a petition that challenged the legality of his designation, questioning whether due process was observed.

By moving the intra-court appeal, Hafeezur Rehman has sought to overturn the IHC decision and retain his position as PTA chairman. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether his appointment stands or if a new selection process will be initiated.

As the legal proceedings continue, the regulator’s leadership remains in question. PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman maintains that his appointment was lawful and his service is aligned with regulatory requirements. The intra-court appeal now places the matter before a larger bench of the IHC, whose ruling will have decisive implications for the leadership of Pakistan’s telecom regulator. Read More Stories on NewzTodays