LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a reply from the Punjab government on a petition challenging appointment of Aitchison College’s board of governors (BoG) and change in admission policy for class K-II.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah issued this order on a petition filed by Fasihuddin, Sarah Khan and other former Aitchisonians.

Petitioners’ counsel Azhar Siddique argued that 19 members were appointed to BoG including Dr Sardar Ali Sadiq, son of the National Assembly speaker, Advocate Mustafa Ramday, son of retired Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, Information Technology Board Chairman Umar Saif, Syed Babar Ali and Dr Pervaiz Hasan.

The counsel said the board members also changed admission policy for class K-II in the name of implementing merit. He said the change of policy was not only illegal but also contrary to the longstanding customs and traditions of the institution.

The counsel also asked the court to set aside the appointment of BoG members for being made on political grounds.

The judge heard the arguments and directed an assistant advocate general to submit a reply on behalf of the government within a fortnight.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2014