ABBOTTABAD - Peshawar High Court circuit bench here on Thursday ruled that appointment of director general Gallyat Development Authority (GDA) was without lawful authority and in violation of section-10 Gallyat Development Authority (Amendment) Act 2020.

The bench comprising Justice Ibrahim Khan and Justice Shakil Ahmed made the decision in a writ petition filed by one Sardar Muhammad Ramzan, resident of Nagri Bala, and contested through Sardar Touqir Ahmed advocate.

The chief secretary KP, secretary establishment, DG GDA Raza Ali Habib, chairman Board of Governors GDA and commissioner Hazara were made parties in the case.

The petitioner argued that DG GDA had been appointed in violation of the relevant law because at the time of posting, he was serving in BPS-18 in Pakistan Railways.

He argued that in order to accommodate him, an amendment was introduced in relevant section of law and through a notification, he was appointed in BPS-19 on acting charge basis, which the petitioner said pointed to malafide intention on the part of the official. He also argued the respondent lacked the requisite qualification for the post of director general.