The Islamabad High Court has summoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a case concerning the non-appointment of a member (finance) to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tribunal.
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Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, while hearing the case, directed the prime minister to appear in person before the court on May 18 if the appointment is not made by then. The court sought an explanation for the delay, asking why the crucial position in the tribunal remains vacant.
جسٹس محسن اختر کیانی نے حکومت کو پاکستان ٹیلی کمیونیکیشن ایپلٹ ٹریبیونل کا ممبر فنانس تعینات کرنے کیلئے 18 مئی کا وقت دیا اور عدم تعیناتی کی صورت میں وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کو 18 مئی کی سماعت میں ذاتی طور پر پیش ہونے کا حکم جاری کردیا۔ https://t.co/nCWo81jcN5
— Aamir Saeed Abbasi (@AmirSaeedAbbasi) April 28, 2026
During the proceedings, the assistant attorney general informed the court that a retired judge had been appointed as a tribunal member. However, Justice Kayani expressed dissatisfaction with the response and made strong remarks regarding the appointment of retired judges to tribunals, suggesting that such practices had raised concerns about institutional functioning.
The judge emphasised the importance of filling the finance member position, noting that the absence of key appointments could affect the tribunal’s efficiency and decision-making capacity. He warned that failure to appoint the required member by the next hearing would necessitate the prime minister’s personal appearance to explain the delay.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding administrative delays in filling important regulatory and judicial posts in Pakistan. The PTA tribunal plays a key role in hearing appeals and matters related to telecommunications regulation, making the appointment of its members essential for smooth operations.
Legal experts note that courts have increasingly taken a strict stance on delays in appointments, particularly in institutions where vacancies may impact governance and public service delivery.
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The hearing was adjourned with clear instructions for the government to ensure compliance before the next date, failing which further legal action could be considered.