• Chief Justice Dogar directs authority to submit complete record of deputation appointments within 15 days
• Raises concerns over favouritism, nepotism and irregular appointments

ISLAMABAD: The Islam­abad High Court on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the alleged non-implementation of its earlier orders in a case challenging the appointment of deputation officers in the National Highway Authority (NHA), directing the authority to submit the complete record of such appointments within 15 days.

The matter was taken up by Chief Justice Sardar Muham­mad Sarfaraz Dogar, who questioned why the court’s order issued in September had not been implemented.

During the hearing, Advocate Ali Nawaz Kharal appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while Advocate Sardar Taimur Aslam represented the NHA.

Expressing concern over what he termed as growing favoritism and nepotism in public institutions, the chief justice observed that arbitrary appointments were being made in the NHA without adherence to merit and transparency. “Why was the order we issued in September not implemented?” the chief justice asked, directing NHA officials to explain their conduct.

The court also instructed the NHA to present its plan for the appointment of officers before the federal government and submit the relevant details to the court within the stipulated time.

The chief justice remarked that institutions were increasingly becoming vulnerable to corruption due to irregular appointments.

He observed that decisions were allegedly being made to serve vested interests, adding that such practices undermine governance and institutional integrity.

In stern remarks, the court noted that an officer who had attempted to implement its directions was removed from his position.

“The chairman who was implementing our order was removed. Our order displeased those who had appoi­nted this officer, and he was replaced,” the chief justice observed, warning that the court would take action against those responsible.

The court further remarked that corruption flourishes when competent officers are sidelined and individuals who obstruct work are appointed to key positions. “Such institutions have become a breeding ground for corruption,” the chief justice said.

After issuing directions for the submission of the deputation record and a compliance report, the court adjourned the hearing for two weeks.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026