ISLAMABAD: In a new twist in a legal battle between senior executives of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), a capital court on Tuesday restrained the Executive Director (ED) Riaz Ahmed Warraich from discharging his duties till the next hearing.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of Islamabad High Court (IHC) passed the restraining order in response to a petition filed by Joint ED Dr Altaf Hussain who had challenged the ED’s appointment earlier this year, citing he was appointed illegally.
On February 16 the court had granted a stay order against Warraich’s promotion as vice chancellor of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) Medical University. The court had also served notices to the respondents including secretary Capital Administration Division and Dr Warraich for March 26.
During the course of hearing on Tuesday, Shoaib Shaheen, the petitioner’s counsel maintained that Warraich was performing his duties as ED Pims since last October despite the fact that he was not qualified for this post. “Warraich was appointed on deputation due to his political connections.” He argued that for the post of ED, the official had to be in grade-21 while over 20 years’ experience was mandatory with specialisation in an elected field. However, Warraich only holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and teaching experience.
Nayab Hassan representing Dr Warraich opposed the argument and informed the court his client qualified for this post with 22 years’ experience in public health.
He said his client was the head of oral and maxillofacial surgery at King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital, Lahore. “My client was appointed on deputation and can be repatriated to his original department after three years of service.”
After the counsels completed their arguments the court passed the restraining order and adjourned the case. The next date will be fixed by the registrar’s office.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2013.