By Asif Naveed
ISLAMABAD; The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued strict remarks over irregularities in the recruitment of patwaris in the federal capital and summoned the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad to appear in person at the next hearing.
During the proceedings, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani observed that only nine patwaris are currently working against 45 sanctioned posts in Islamabad, terming it a serious administrative negligence.
The judge further noted that patwaris had allegedly appointed munshis (clerks) to run the system on their behalf, which he described as a blatant violation of rules and regulations.
“These are local posts of Islamabad, not federal or provincial quota seats,” Justice Kayani remarked, stressing that there was no justification for political interference or recruitment of outsiders from other provinces.
Criticizing the current structure, Justice Kayani said: “The Chief Commissioner benefits from this arrangement, running the entire system of Islamabad with just nine individuals. The whole system is operating dishonestly.”
The court, however, refrained from ordering criminal proceedings, observing: “If I direct registration of cases, even these nine men will end up in jail.”
The IHC has directed the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to appear personally at the next hearing to explain the situation. The court warned that if reforms are not introduced, stern legal action will follow.
