The Lahore High Court (LHC) has set aside the government’s order for removal of Sui-Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Managing Director (MD) Arif Hameed, immediately restoring him to his post.
Federal Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi removed Hameed from the slot abruptly on weekend without citing any reasons. Hameed challenged his removal in LHC through a constitutional petition claiming that the government did not adopt lawful procedure in the act.
According to Hameed’s plea, only the Board of Directors of SNGPL are authorized to remove the MD with a two-thirds majority.
While issuing notices to all respondents, including Petroleum Ministry secretary and members of SNGPL board, the court granted him stay against the removal and restored his position. The court has decided to take up Hameed’s petition in the first week of next month.
Hameed has taken charge of his duties and presided over a high level meeting attended by all senior executive of the company and issued directions to his subordinate staff.
Talking to Online, the petroleum minister said that Hameed was removed from service over his failure to perform on critical issues of national interest.
