The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has expressed strong disapproval of the capital's administration for its failure to publish a correct job advertisement for Patwari positions. During a hearing on Wednesday, the court directed the authorities to issue a revised advertisement promptly.
Court's Strong Rebuke During Hearing
A single bench of the IHC comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani conducted the hearing related to private individuals performing official duties in Islamabad's patwar circles. The judge did not mince words, expressing clear annoyance at the administrative failures.
Justice Kayani criticized the administration saying, "You have now even created a constitutional court, yet the work is still not being done." He pointedly questioned whether every task must wait for contempt proceedings before completion.
Questioning the Recruitment Approach
The judge raised serious concerns about the recruitment methodology proposed in the original advertisement, which suggested that individuals from across the country could apply for the posts under a quota system. Justice Kayani questioned the logic behind this approach for local positions.
"These are local posts then how candidates from all provinces can be appointed?" he asked. The judge provided comparative examples, noting that "in Rawalpindi, a patwari from Chakwal is not appointed, nor is someone from Rawalpindi posted in Jhelum."
He expressed bewilderment at the different standards applied to Islamabad, stating, "I do not know what happens to you when it comes to Islamabad."
Broader Concerns and Stern Warning
Justice Kayani highlighted broader systemic issues, remarking that "dishonesty and misuse of tools are widespread" and linking this to the failure to hold local body elections. He also revealed that a deputy commissioner previously convicted by the court had been awarded a medal by the president.
The bench issued a stern warning to the administration, stating that if contempt proceedings were initiated, the approach would be immediate and strict. "If I issue a contempt of court notice, I will not act like Justice Babar Sattar and grant time. I will have you handcuffed and sent to jail immediately," Justice Kayani warned.
Court's Final Directions
The IHC bench directed the Islamabad administration to publish a corrected advertisement for the Patwari posts before the next hearing. The court deferred further hearing of the case until next month, giving the administration time to comply with the order.
Justice Kayani emphasized that the courts have provided judgments on every relevant matter, suggesting that the administration's failure to act reflected a lack of good faith rather than legal ambiguity.
