The Presidency defended the appointment in a written reply to a letter written by the chief justice. — Reuters photo

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry on Saturday administered the oath of office to newly appointed auditor general Akhtar Buland Rana, DawnNews reported.

However, the Supreme Court's Registrar read out the court's reservations to Mr Rana's appointment before the oath was administered.

Earlier today, Chief Justice Iftikhar accepted the appointment of Mr Rana after the Presidency defended it in a written reply to the chief justice, DawnNews quoted sources as saying.

The Presidency had submitted a written reply late on Friday to a letter written by Chief Justice Iftikhar regarding the nomination of Mr Rana to the office.

The chief justice had sought the government’s account on the raft of charges levelled against Mr Rana.

The allegations include holding the passport of another country, two national identity cards and sexual harassment of a woman.

The chief justice had  asked the President to explain in writing how could such an individual be appointed on such an important position because once appointed, he cannot be removed — a stipulation in the Constitution (Article 209).

Mr Rana was appointed the auditor general on August 23 for a four-year term.

Opinion

Editorial

Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...
Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.