ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notices to the federal government on Tuesday, asking it to submit replies to questions raised in a petition challenging the appointment of Zafarul Haq Hijazi as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The petition was filed by a concerned citizen, Naseem Iqbal, through his counsel Asma Jahangir.

Mr Hijazi had earlier served as commissioner of the SECP from 1999 to 2003. He was reappointed on the post in Dec 2014 after which he was made chairman of the commission.

The petition alleges that Mr Hijazi is a friend of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar who has manoeuvred his appointment as the SECP chairman.

It cites Mr Dar, the secretaries of law and justice and finance as respondents.

It alleges that while recommending and making appointment of Mr Hijazi as SECP chairman, the finance minister and secretary finance have “acted in bad faith against the interests of public at large”.

The petition argues that since Mr Hijazi has used his connections to get the job, he cannot be termed a person of integrity, which is a requirement for the appointment.

It requests the court to declare the appointment illegal.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2015

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