ISLAMABAD: The High Court has summoned Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi and Secretary Maritime Affairs Rizwan Ahmed for interfering in Karachi Port Trust (KPT) affairs.
The petition was filed by Chairman Karachi Port Trust, Jamil Akhtar in the IHC against both accused. IHC Judge Justice Athar Minallah during the hearing ordered the Federal Minister and the Secretary Maritime Affairs to submit a detailed response regarding the illegal interference.
Justice Athar Minallah said that the court should be assisted by how the federal minister intervened in the KPT matters. “These are serious court allegations. Did Ali Zaidi have the authority to intervene in the matter?”
Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokhar informed the court, “There are two notifications for the appointment of Chairman Karachi Port Trust.” “According to the notification issued in 2017, Jamil Akhtar was posted for two years,” he added.
To which, Justice Athar Minallah inquired where was the decision of the federal government of 2017 in this regard? “You are misleading the court here,” The judge remarked.
Attorney-General said, “There are two deployment notifications.” The court in the matter remarked that it is considered then the second notification of two years of appointment was forged.
Justice Athar Minallah further stated that Ali Zaidi has been interfering in the KPT’s daily affairs under which law; his interference is a separate case.
“The person who does not have the authority under the law is interfering in KPT matters. Whatever arguments the Ministry Maritimes will give in this regard will be proved wrong,” he remarked.
Justice Athar Minallah warned the attorney not to mislead the court in this regard. Representative Ministry Maritime told the court that Ali Zaidi ordered an audit of Karachi Port Trust.
The judge asked under what law did the federal minister order an audit? The judge in his remarks stated that the court is giving the government time to re-examine this matter and assist the court accordingly.
“If you argue and present the evidence, the court will wrap up the case today,” the judge stated. Athar Minallah Manullah later adjourned the hearing till 16th April.
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