IHC Declares PTA Chairman’s Appointment Illegal, Orders Immediate Removal

ISLAMABAD — September 16, 2025: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the removal of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, declaring his appointment “illegal, irrational, and unsustainable in law.”

The verdict was issued by Justice Babar Sattar in response to a 2023 petition filed by digital rights activist Usama Khilji, challenging the appointment process of the PTA’s member (administration), a post Rehman initially occupied before becoming chairman.

Key Highlights

• Justice Babar Sattar of IHC declared Hafeezur Rehman’s appointment illegal.
• Petition filed by Usama Khilji in 2023 led to the verdict.
• Court cited violations of PTA Appointment Rules and lack of transparency in the selection process.
• Rehman removed from office, senior-most PTA member to act as chairman.
• Rehman has filed an urgent appeal to challenge the decision.

The legal battle is set to continue as the IHC prepares to hear the appeal, leaving the leadership of PTA in a state of transition.

Court Rules Appointment Lacked Legal Merit

Justice Sattar’s 99-page detailed judgment highlighted several legal irregularities:

• Flawed recruitment process: The creation of the post of member (administration) and the qualifications prescribed for it lacked transparency.
• Violation of appointment rules: The selection committee unlawfully recommended three candidates instead of a single nominee, as required under Rule 4(4) of the PTA Appointment Rules.
• Unjustified selection: The federal government chose Rehman, who was placed at the bottom of the merit panel, without offering any reasoning or objective justification.
• Unlawful promotion: His subsequent elevation from member (administration) to PTA chairman was carried out without a transparent selection process or recorded reasons.

Justice Sattar observed: “The entire process of Rehman’s appointment was tainted by malice in law and stood on an unconstitutional foundation. Hence, all subsequent steps taken by the federal government in this regard are of no legal effect.”

Interim Arrangements Ordered

The IHC directed that the senior-most PTA member will temporarily assume charge as acting chairman until the federal government conducts a lawful appointment process.

The ruling underscores that Rehman’s assumption of office was not sustainable in law and must be relinquished immediately.

Rehman Files Urgent Appeal

Shortly after the decision, Rehman filed an urgent intra-court appeal under the 1972 Ordinance, requesting an immediate hearing. In his appeal, he argued:

• He was appointed as Member (Administration) on May 24, 2023, and the very next day promoted to chairman.
• His performance as chairman has been in accordance with law and regulations.
• The petition’s decision disregarded the legality of his service record.

The appeal seeks to overturn Justice Sattar’s ruling and validate his appointment.

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