ISLAMABAD; The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Establishment Division and the Interior Ministry to convene a meeting with the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) to address the issue of unqualified individuals occupying the posts of Patwaris in Islamabad. The court has ordered a report on the matter to be submitted by July 28.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued these directives while hearing the case on Thursday. During the proceedings, Justice Kayani expressed concern over the lack of action, observing that when Patwaris are questioned about their work, they often dismiss it by saying, “this is not policy.”
A deputy secretary from the Interior Ministry informed the court that a meeting had already been held regarding this issue, and the relevant rules were forwarded to the Establishment Division. However, a representative from the Establishment Division told the court that the Interior Ministry’s draft rules had been returned after raising certain objections.
Responding to this, the Interior Ministry official stated that the case had since been sent back to the Establishment Division after satisfactorily addressing all their concerns. Seeking clarity, the court questioned under which legal mandate the Establishment Division operates in such matters.
At this point, the AAG told the court that he would not comment on statements made by either the Establishment Division or the Interior Ministry without first reviewing the situation thoroughly. He requested a week’s time to hold discussions and then update the court.
Granting this request, Justice Kayani directed the Establishment Division and Interior Ministry to hold a meeting with the AAG to resolve outstanding issues. The judge then adjourned the hearing, instructing all parties to return with a detailed report by July 28.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the appointment of unsuitable individuals to critical revenue posts, potentially undermining governance and transparency in Islamabad’s administrative structure.
