MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Supreme Court on Tuesday declared an appeal challenging the appointment of the region’s accountability chief, Mushtaq Ahmed Janjua, infructuous after his resignation, while announcing its intention to lay down guidelines for future appointments to the post.

The appeal had been filed by Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, the regional secretary general of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), after the AJK High Court dismissed his initial challenge to Mr Janjua’s appointment.

Mr Farooq had also sought contempt of court proceedings against Mr Janjua and Advocate General Sheikh Masood Iqbal for allegedly using contemptuous language against him and the apex court during the High Court proceedings.

In response, both Mr Janjua and Mr Iqbal had tendered apologies to the Supreme Court, attributing the remarks in their written statements to negligence. On Tuesday, the apex court was informed of Mr Janjua’s resignation. Consequently, the court ruled that Mr Farooq’s appeal was now infructuous to the extent of the respondent’s appointment and disposed of the case.

However, the court directed the government not to make any new appointments to the position of accountability chief until it issues a detailed judgement outlining the parameters and guidelines for future appointments.

Regarding the contempt of court application, the alleged contemnors submitted their replies on Tuesday. The court adjourned further proceedings to allow the petitioner to file his response to their statements.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024