LHC orders comprehensive probe into 228 UAF appointments

It also ordered that all concerned individuals be given a proper opportunity to be heard during the investigation. Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the order after hearing arguments on petitions filed by Professor Ehsan Qadir Bhaba and others.

Advocate Supreme Court Zohaib Imran Sheikh and other lawyers appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioners. The petitioners’ counsel contended that 228 people, ranging from lower-grade employees to professors, had allegedly been recruited at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad through illegal and non-transparent procedures.

Advocate Zohaib Imran Sheikh Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan had allegedly issued notifications for the appointments late at night on the day of his retirement., Punjab Governor, in his capacity as the university’s Chancellor, had also directed the university’s Syndicate to investigate the appointments.

The lawyer further contended that the people allegedly recruited through illegal procedures had created hurdles in the Syndicate’s investigation, while some individuals were allegedly attempting to avoid the inquiry by relying on court stay orders.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that appointments in public universities could not legally be made in violation of transparency and merit and requested the court to examine the legal status of all 228 appointments. After hearing arguments from all parties, the court directed the UAF Syndicate to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the appointments.

The court specifically ordered that all 228 individuals be given an opportunity to be heard and that the legality, merit and transparency of appointments from Grade 1 to 22 be examined