PHC directs Secretary Agriculture to make appointment on merit

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court has de-notified Dean Faculty of Crop Production of Agriculture University and directed Secretary Agriculture to ensure merit and transparency in appointment, on Monday.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Akmal has challenged appointment of Dean Faculty Crops Production at The Agriculture University.
The counsel for petitioner Mukhtar Ahmad Maneri Advocate informed PHC that his client was laying in top three professors for deanship but on 27 November 2020 allegedly appointment was made on favoritism.
The counsel for petitioner informed that his client Dr. Akmal was marked for appointment but latterly his name was removed and Dr. Fida was appointed Dean Faculty of Crops Production.
During hearing Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim remarked that is institution shall be run by tick-mark? And added that appointment shall be made after fulfilling of requirements.
Justice Istiaq Ibrahim also remarked that constitution has clearly stated responsibilities of Chief Minister. The counsel for petitioner informed that his client Dr. Akmal was marked for appointment but latterly his name was removed and Dr. Fida was appointed Dean Faculty of Crops Production.
However, Chief Minister Secretariat took pleas that CM did not recommended anyone but Dr. Fida Muhammad was appointed after recommendation of Governor.
The PHC judgment declares that it is responsibility of Chief Minister to recommend an officer for penal but summary is silent in this regard.
PHC has directed Secretary Agriculture prepare new summary on merit and fulfill legal requirements and then recruitment.
PHC has de-notify the recruitment and directed current to continue services for two months or till new notification.