LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought complete record of the appointment of Absar Alam as chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

Justice Jawad Hassan was hearing a petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) challenging the appointment of Mr Alam as Pemra chairman.

JAP Chairman Advocate Azhar Siddique alleged that the appointment of journalist Absar Alam was a clear case of nepotism and violation of merit on the part of the federal government. He said the government filled permanent post of Pemra chairman with a temporary appointment. He said judgments of the Supreme Court barred contractual appointments against permanent posts.

The lawyer pointed out that the government had relaxed criteria for the post to accommodate the respondent. He said Rs600,000 salary along with perks and privileges had been fixed for Pemra chairman but the respondent had been drawing additional benefits.

He asked the court to summon record of the Pemra chairman’s appointment as well as remuneration and other facilities being enjoyed by the respondent.

The judge directed the government to furnish the record on March 10.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2017