SC restores Pervez Rathore as acting PEMRA chief

Dunya News

Supreme Court court has directed the respondents to contact Islamabad High Court.

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday restored Pervez Rathore as acting chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Dunya News reported.

A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk heard government’s plea against suspension of notification regarding Pervez Rathore and Kamaluddin Tipu’s appointment.

Defence lawyer Barrister Mehmood A Sheikh told court that the government issued notification of Pervez Rathore and Kamaluddin’s appointment according to law.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued verdict in initial hearing without listening to us, he told SC.

He said the PEMRA is facing various problems due to vacant seats.

Hashmat Habib, the lawyer of PEMRA’s private member Mian Shams, told court that notification of Pervez Rathor’s appointment was issued by the prime minister instead of president. As per law, Rathore was ineligible for the post while Kamaluddin’a appointment was also against the rules.

On the occasion, private member of PEMRA Israr Abbasi told court that Pervez Rathore was not appointed by the concerned authority and Kamaluddin Tipu was appointed during hearing of Defence Ministry’s complaint against Geo News.

Meanwhile, the apex court nullified Islamabad High Court’s notification regarding suspension of Pervez Rathore and Kamaluddin and restored both officers.