Despite the verdict of Lahore High Court (LHC), Dr Javed Iqbal is still performing his duties as the Director General Environmental Protection Agency Punjab illegally, Pakistan Today has learnt.
A petition challenging the appointment of DG EPA Dr Javed Iqbal was filed by Advocate Shiraz Zaka in which he stated that the respondent was appointed as Dr Javed Iqbal in violation of the EPA rules.
After hearing arguments of both sides, Chief justice of Lahore High Court Syed Mansoor Ali Shah on October 26 announced his verdict. Syed Mansoor Shah stated in his verdict that the appointment of Dr Javed Iqbal had been made in violation of the rules and therefore, it was declared illegal.
Sources in EPA seeking anonymity told Pakistan Today that Dr Javed Iqbal kept on holding his despite court had barred him to hold the office of DG EPA.
Ex Technical Adviser HUD and PHE Department Dr Javed iqbal was appointed as DG EPA on June 12, 2015, who also served as WASA Lahore managing director before holding the office of DG EPA.
Sources also alleged that Dr Javed Iqbal was just holding office to rectify the mistakes done during his period of appointment.
However, another officer in the EPA on condition of anonymity told that Dr Javed Iqbal can keep his duties until he receives the written orders of the LHC.
Sources claimed that Environment Protection Department (EPD) has received LHC’s written order last week. The LHC had issued its written order on November 23 in which it announced that the appointment of DG EPA was against law.
Senior advocate Azhar Siddique while talking to Pakistan Today said that the court orders were implementable since the judge announced his verdict. “After court orders, Dr Javed Iqbal is performing his duties against the law. This is an excuse if someone says that he can perform his duties till court’s written orders”, he said adding, that a contempt of court case can be filed against Dr Javed Iqbal if he still holds his office.
