QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai has disapproved the summary of the provincial government regarding the appointment of a new advocate general (AG) for the province.

The new coalition government headed by Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo had decided to replace the incumbent AG, Amanullah Kanrani, with a senior lawyer, Rauf Ata.

The summary was sent to the governor by the chief secretary that was rejected and sent back to the provincial government with some observations.

“I agree that the discretion to appoint a person as an advocate general of the province of having a stature and qualification to be appointed a judge of the high court, is to be exercised with judiciousness, transparency and other aspects resting with general prudence encompassing the actual sense of suitability of selection,” the observation read.

“I further emphasise the decisions of such level should be taken in the light of guidance provided and principles set for these matters by the Supreme Court of Pakistan from time to time,” it added.

It said the authority to remove an advocate general under article 140 (3) of the constitution of Pakistan should be exercised with utmost care and merit under some objective criteria.

Quoting some rules and regulations, it added: “Keeping in view the above, it is imperative that the matter may be reviewed and advice may be withdrawn.”

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2018