LAHORE: The Punjab government on Thursday transferred Environment Protection Agency Director General Dr Javed Iqbal and repatriated him to his parent department – housing, urban development and public health engineering – for further orders.

Dr Javed Iqbal’s appointment was challenged in the Lahore High Court that he did not fulfil the criteria for posting as EPA director. The LHC chief justice later directed the Punjab government to remove the DG. However, the government neither complied with the court orders nor challenged the decision.

The complainant later filed a contempt plea and the CJ sought a reply from the government on Dec 19. The Punjab government eventually transferred the DG.

The Punjab government has given additional charge of the EPA DG to Punjab Environment Protection Department Secretary Saif Anjum till the posting of a regular incumbent.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2016