ISLAMABAD -The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday set aside the appointment of Sahibzada Sajid-ur-Rehman as Vice President of International Islamic University (IIUI).
IHC judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui gave this ruling in response to a petition filed by members of Staff Welfare Association of the university citing that the appointment was made without adopting a competitive process. While announcing the verdict, the court observed that it was made without due process and non-transparent which is against the principle of healthy competition.
During the last hearing of the case on April 20, 2013, Justice Siddiqui had reserved the judgment after the counsel from both the parties had concluded their arguments.
Advocate Umair Baloch the counsel representing the petitioner had informed the court that Sajid was appointed as a Vice President of the university on October 2011 on ontract basis for two years without the recommendation of the selection board. He had further informed the court that as a research fellow of this university Sajid had retired on January 2011, however, he was reappointed as a Director General DG Dawah Academy. Meanwhile, he was appointed as a vice President of the university in sheer violation of the university rules.
The counsel argued that according to the rules, the selection board is supposed to recommend and after its approval Vice President can be appointed. He had argued that Rehman was appointed without the advertisement and requested the court to declare his appointment as illegal.
Advocate Sardar Aslam, the counsel for Sajid, in his final arguments opposed the arguments of the petitioner's counsel and the appointment of his client is not illegal. He further maintained that his client had not violated any rules and regulations.
He had maintained that the Rector and President of university is the sole authority to appoint vice President and his client was appointed on contract basis so there is no need of the approval of the selection committee.
Sardar Aslam argued that his client was appointed on contractual basis so these rule could not apply on contractual appointment and requested the court to reject the petition.
After hearing the arguments of both the sides, Justice Siddiqui had reserved the verdict, which was announced on Wednesday directing the authorities to appoint new vice president of the university by adopting competitive process till June 19.