ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notices to the federal authorities to submit their response on a petition filed by as many as 23 senators challenging the appointment of State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) governor, Tariq Bajwa.
The IHC directed the official respondents to submit their response at the next hearing and further directed the court office to sort out the matter to present for a hearing after two weeks.
The petition was filed by senators belonging to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP).
Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa who was representing the petitioners alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government ignored legal requirements and procedures for appointing State Bank’s governor.
He argued that the appointment was of no legal effect and requested the judges to declare the appointment illegal and unlawful.
Earlier, the opposition in the Senate had moved a resolution seeking the immediate removal the bank’s governor. However, the finance ministry issued a statement saying the appointment was made in accordance with State Bank Act, 1956.
On July 7 last year, the federal government appointed former finance secretary Tariq Bajwa as the new governor of SBP after the post fell vacant following Ashraf Mahmood Wathra’s retirement.
