AAMIR LASHARI
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has nullified unauthorized transfers/postings in the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) carried out by the Federal Ministry for Housing and reinstated Mr. Anwarul Haq Dogar as the Chief Engineer. The transfers were made under the orders of Federal Minister Maulana Abdul Wasey, prompting Anwarul Haq Dogar to file a petition challenging the decision.
The court has suspended the transfer of employees and issued notices to all parties involved in the case. A hearing has been scheduled for June 17th to further address the matter. In compliance with the court order, the Secretary of Housing and Works has reinstated Anwarul Haq Dogar as the Chief Engineer of the North Zone.
According to the details, on June 8th, Federal Minister Maulana Abdul Wasey issued written orders to the Federal Secretary of Housing and Works, directing the transfers of multiple officers within the PWD, including Chief Engineer of the North Zone, Mr. Anwarul Haq Dogar. The Secretary of Housing and Works acted upon the minister’s orders and reassigned Dogar as the Director General of the Policy and Planning Wing within the ministry.
Anwar ul Haq Dogar challenged the transfer order and the acting charges in the Islamabad High Court. Anwar-ul-Haq Dogar, with a team of lawyers, argued in the petition that appointing Zaheer Waraich as Director General violated the provisions of the ESTACODE (Civil Establishment Code). Zaheer Waraich had already been suspended by the Central Promotion Board, and according to ESTACODE Rules, the acting charge can only be given to an officer eligible for the post and suitable for promotion. Since he is currently under suspension, he is deemed unsuitable for the position of Director General.
The petition also highlighted the failure to follow ESTACODE provisions for appointments and referenced several similar court decisions. Anwar-ul-Haq Dogar further challenged his own transfer order, stating that the authority to make such decisions lies with the Secretary of Housing and Works, who was bypassed in this case.
The Islamabad High Court, suspending Anwar-ul-Haq Dogar’s transfer, has reinstated him as the Chief Engineer of the North Zone and has summoned all parties involved to the upcoming hearing on June 17th. The court will address the petition against the appointment of Zaheer Waraich as the Director General of the PWD.
This case raises significant concerns about proper procedure and adherence to ESTACODE regulations in the transfer and appointment of officers within the PWD. The outcome of the hearing will determine the course of action and potential repercussions for those involved.
