ISLAMABAD: The court of Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand on Monday rejected the post-arrest bail application of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Ghulam Mohammad Ali in illegal appointments case.

During the hearing, Dr Ali’s counsel, Advocate Riasat Ali Azad, argued that the alleged illegal appointments were made in 2022, while the FIR was registered three years later in 2025.

He claimed that there is no complaint against Dr Ghulam Mohammad Ali throughout his entire career. He was pressured to resign, and upon his refusal, an FIR was lodged,” the defense argued.

The defense further maintained that all recruitment matters in PARC fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Governors and that Dr Ali, as chairman, is not a member of the selection committee. “If someone is a relative of the chairman, does that bar him from applying for a job? Has any forgery been proven against him?” the lawyer asked. However, the FIA prosecutor told the court that the FIR was registered on the direction of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

He stated that while 164 posts were formally advertised, a total of 332 people were hired. “Out of them, 70 individuals were found to be directly linked to the chairman, PARC officials, and council members,” the FIA claimed, alleging that many of the recruits were appointed from the chairman’s home district without merit.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its judgement and later announced the decision to reject the bail plea of Dr Ghulam Mohammad Ali.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2025