Court orders violation: LHC summons secretary transport in person
Justice Khalid says abolition of Grade-10 IT Director post may violate existing judicial orders: Petitioner claims recruitment process was completed on merit
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the abolition of a Grade-19 Director IT post during the hearing of an ongoing recruitment case and has indicated contempt proceedings against the provincial transport secretary.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel report, LHC's Justice Khalid Ishaq summoned the secretary of the Provincial Transport and Mass Transit Authority to appear in person before the court on 20 May.
The court was hearing a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Asim Iqbal regarding recruitment for the post of the director of IT in Grade 19.
During the proceedings, the court observed that the government lawyer informed the court that the request for regularisation had been made against the same position that was later abolished.
Justice Khalid Ishaq observed that the apparent removal of the post by the secretary of the Punjab Provincial Transport Authority seemed to be in violation of the court’s earlier orders, particularly when directions had already been issued against taking adverse action against the petitioner.
The court further remarked that abolishing the post despite interim relief granted by the court was a troubling development and that the conduct of the transport authority secretary could fall within the scope of contempt of court under Article 204 of the Constitution and the Contempt of Court Ordinance.
According to the petitioner, the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) had advertised the Grade-19 Director IT position, requiring candidates to possess a master’s degree in computer science or information technology along with 12 years of professional IT experience.
The petitioner stated that he fulfilled all eligibility requirements, applied for the position and successfully completed the recruitment process, including the written examination and interview, on merit.
He requested legal protection from the court and sought regularisation in the post. The Lahore High Court adjourned further hearing of the case until 20 May 2026.