ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to cancel relieving orders (ending of deputation) of the PMDC registrar and submit notification in the court on Thursday (today).

A single bench, consisting of Justice Athar Minallah, also warned that contempt of court proceedings could be started against the PMDC Executive Committee.

On March 20, an official statement was issued by the PMDC, according to which Dr Sameer Quraishi had been made acting registrar of the council until the appointment of a new registrar.

The PMDC also stated that the former registrar, Dr Amjad Mehmood, was relieved from his position because of his own request. Dr Mehmood was on deputation from CADD Ministry and had requested to be relieved of his duties at the PMDC because he was due to be promoted.

Dr Mehmood submitted the request to the PMDC on January 4. But on February 6, 2015, the IHC barred the PMDC from relieving Dr Mehmood from his duties without informing the court as he is the focal person in an inquiry commission, constituted by the court to oversee the PMDC’s affairs.

On Wednesday, during the hearing on the case, Justice Athar Minallah expressed displeasure over the PMDC ignoring court orders. PMDC Deputy Registrar Dr Shaista Faisal informed the court that Dr Mehmood was relieved from his duties in response to his request.

However, Dr Amjad stated in court that he would follow court orders and would not leave his position until the completion of the inquiry.

Justice Athar Minallah said that he could move a contempt of court petition against the whole PMDC Executive Committee and instructed to submit a notification for the cancellation of reliving order of Dr Mehmood on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2015

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