LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought a reply from the Establishment Division about alleged violation of merit in the appointment of Deputy Permanent Delegate of Pakistan to Unesco, France.

Dr Muhammad Babar Chohan, who secured second position in the examination by securing 68 per cent marks among five candidates, challenged the appointment of Nelofar Shahzad as the deputy permanent delegate to the Unesco.

Representing the petition, Advocate Safdar Shaheen Pirzada argued before the court that the respondent (Ms Shahzad) could hardly pass the written examination by obtaining 62 per cent marks but managed her posting due to strong political contacts with the PML-N.

He pointed out that the petitioner secured an overall second position, however, became topper among CSS candidates as the first position holder was not a CSS.

He said in such situation the only choice left with the government was to select the petitioner and issue a notification strictly on merit. The counsel argued that the appointment of the respondent appeared to be an example of nepotism, corrupt practices and unlawful political discretion of power by the former prime minister.

He asked the court to set aside the notification of the impugned appointment for being unlawful and restrained the respondent from joining the post till decision of the petition.

Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi turned down the request for stay, but directed a federal law officer to ensure submission of a reply on behalf of the Establishment Division secretary by June 25.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2018