ISLAMABAD, Dec 11: With over 8,000 cases pending with the Federal Services Tribunal (FST), the retirement of three of its members in November has rendered the tribunal almost dysfunctional, sources told Dawn on Friday.

The sources said that majority of the cases fixed for hearing during November and December had been deferred till March and April, causing immense inconvenience to the working and retired employees seeking immediate relief.

Three members of the tribunal namely Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Nazar Muhammad Sheikh and Abdur Razzaque had retired in November after completing their terms, while the tribunal chairman Justice (retired) Amanullah Khan Abbasi and another member Hassan Raza Pasha will retire in January. The retirement of the chairman next month will render the tribunal totally dysfunctional.

It was further learnt that considering the workload, the incumbent chairman had made a request for creation of four additional posts of members, which was agreed to in principle but neither funds were allocated nor appointments made by the government.

A retired government servant, whose date of hearing was fixed for 9th December but deferred till 18th March 2005, said the government should take immediate steps to fill the posts.

The tribunal members are appointed from among the retired senior civil servants, while the chairman is generally appointed from among the retired judges of high courts.

An official of the tribunal said the Ministry of Law and Justice was fully aware of the situation and termed the delay in appointment of three more members an official lethargy.