ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dismissed petitions filed against the appointment of Usman Mobin as chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

Justice Aamer Farooq announced the judgement, which the court had reserved in August.

As per the arguments of the petitioners’ counsel Hafiz Arafat Ahmed, the previous government had changed the criteria for the selection, as 15 marks were to be set aside for a PhD holder and 12 and nine marks for a master’s degree from foreign and local universities, respectively. Moreover, 40 marks were reserved for experience in the relevant field.

Under these criteria, Mr Mobin could secure only 30 marks and his name was placed on the fifth position on the merit list, said the petitioners’ counsel.

Petitioners claim the previous government had changed selection criteria to ensure appointment of Usman Mobin to the position

However, the authorities then changed the criteria, said Advocate Ahmed. The marks for a PhD degree holder were decreased from 15 to five while those for a master’s degree were enhanced from 12 to 15. Mr Mobin holds a master’s degree.

Under the new criteria, Mr Mobin secured the highest (55) marks and his name was placed on top of the merit list, the counsel added.

Advocate Ahmed said the authorities also changed other requirements for the job in order to ensure that Mr Mobin was selected at any cost.

The counsel for Nadra argued that Mr Mobin’s appointment was legal as he was qualified and eligible for the post in question.

He informed the court that Mr Mobin was appointed after a thorough interview by the selection board. He was more experienced and qualified for the post than the other candidates.

Referring to a judgement of a high court, the Nadra counsel argued that the federal cabinet could appoint a candidate to the post of Nadra chairman without any prior advertisement.

He argued that Mr Mobin had more experience and qualifications when compared to those mentioned in the advertisements published in the national media for the post. “That was why he was chosen by the scrutiny committee over other candidates.”

The counsel pointed out that Mr Mobin was interviewed by the selection board and his name was approved by the federal cabinet as well.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2020