Rescue 1122 DG extension: LHC seeks reply on ICA within fortnight

LAHORE: A division bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought replies of the respondents within fortnight on an Intra Court Appeal (ICA) challenging dismissal of a petition against extension in contract of Director General of Punjab Emergency Service/Rescue 1122 Dr Rizwan Naseer. Applicant District Emergency Officer, Lahore Dr Ahmad Raza prayed to the court to set aside the decision of LHC single bench and the appointment of the respondent for being illegal.

Earlier, the appellant's counsel Ch Shoaib Saleem argued that the single bench while passing impugned verdict did not apply its independent judicial mind. The bench ignored the record brought by the home department in its reply about the corrupt practices of Dr Rizwan and adverse observations made against him by the provincial ombudsperson in a harassment case.

The counsel pointed out that the respondent had been appointed for more than five times as DG of the Rescue 1122 in past, which showed that there was no other person capable enough to run the affairs of body. The single bench in its impugned judgment had observed that the petitioner was aggrieved by the decisions of the respondent, Dr Rizwan as he was terminated by him. The court had also remarked that the competent authority extended the contract of the respondent for a period of one year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020