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In a significant legal turn, the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) division bench has suspended Justice Babar Sattar’s decision to remove Major General (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman as chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Following the ruling, Rehman has been reinstated to his position, pending the outcome of his appeal.
The Islamabad High Court, in response to a petition filed by digital rights activist Usama Khilji, earlier declared that Hafeez-ur-Rehman’s appointment as PTA Chairman was not legally valid. Justice Babar Sattar’s 99-page verdict pointed to procedural flaws in the hiring process, ruling that a senior PTA member should serve as acting chairman until a lawful appointment could be made. The order required Rehman to vacate his office immediately.
The court ruled that the creation of the post of Member (Administration), the entry point for Hafeez-ur-Rehman before becoming PTA Chairman, was unlawful. This position was not part of the original PTA Appointment Rules.
The judgment concluded that the process was designed to accommodate a preselected candidate. Justice Babar Sattar stressed that appointments to public offices must be transparent, merit-based, and free from manipulation to benefit specific individuals.
Challenging the decision, Rehman filed an intra-court appeal. After reviewing the case, the division bench suspended the single bench’s order on September 17, 2025, allowing him to resume his duties as PTA Chairman.
The case underscores ongoing scrutiny over appointments in Pakistan’s regulatory bodies. While Rehman continues in his role, the final verdict will likely set a precedent for transparency and due process in public sector appointments.
