Pemra chief’s appointment case adjourned till 13th

ISLAMABAD: The counsel for Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Chairman Absar Alam Thursday completed his arguments before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench in a case regarding appointment of the Pemra chairman.

The court adjourned hearing of the case till December 13 and directed the petitioners’ counsel to complete his cross arguments on next hearing. Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC heard the case filed by citizens, including Shahid Orazkai and others through their counsel Barrister Shoaib Razzaq.

During hearing, the counsel for Pemra Chairman, Ali Shah Gilani, contended that the four candidates were shortlisted amongst a total of 23, and the then prime minister had conducted their interviews at his own.

He said the matter of Pemra chairman was different from the cases of Ogra and SECP chairmen. He contended that the federal government had completed all the legal requirements to appoint Pemra chairman in accordance with apex court’s guidelines.

He requested the court to dismiss the petition challenging the appointment of his client. Gilani argued that the educational degrees of his client had been verified through the Higher Commission of Pakistan (HEC). Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Special Branch had also issued clearance certificate regarding the qualification of Absar Alam.