ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the federal government and other respondents on a petition challenging the legality of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), directing them to submit their replies at the next hearing.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, in a one-page written order, took up the petition filed by citizen Muhammad Fayyaz, who questioned the establishment and functioning of the food authority.

The court noted that according to the petitioner, there had been a violation of Section 3 of the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act 2021. The petitioner contended that the IFA was set up without a formal gazette notification and without approval from the federal cabinet, rendering its creation unlawful.

During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner argued that under the landmark ruling of the Mustafa Impex case, the term “federal government” refers collectively to the prime minister and the federal cabinet, and not to any individual authority acting unilaterally.

The petition further pointed out that the Auditor General of Pakistan had also raised objections regarding expenditures incurred without cabinet approval, lending weight to the claim that the authority was functioning without lawful sanction.

The petitioner maintained that the establishment of the IFA, along with the constitution of its board and appointments of key officials, including the chairman, amounted to a serious violation of the law as they were made without legal authority.

The court observed that the submissions made by the petitioner’s counsel were “worthy of consideration” and formally issued notices to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Ministry of Interior, the Islamabad Food Authority, and other relevant parties.

The petitioner has requested the court to declare the establishment of the Islamabad Food Authority, as well as all major appointments made under it, illegal and to set them aside.

Further proceedings in the case will continue after the respondents submit their replies.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026