LAHORE: Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim gave time to the federal government for filing reply to a petition challenging appointment of Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Ahmad as chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC). The judge on March 16 had issued notice to the federal government and establishment division but during the proceedings on Tuesday, the government counsel sought time for filing reply. The judge accepted his request. A citizen, Munir Ahmad, moved the petition and petitioner’s counsel Muhammad Azhar Siddique said that Dr Ahmad was appointed in violation of rules and merit. He submitted that Dr Ahmad lacked qualification and experience required for the post. He said that the impugned appointment was not on merit and was mere result of political consideration. He requested the court to set aside the appointment of Dr Ahmad as chairman HEC for being unlawful.