SHC orders federal govt to appoint regular NIRC chairman
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025289
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the federal government to appoint a permanent chairman for the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) with the necessary qualifications within a reasonable timeframe. The two-judge constitutional bench, led by Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, emphasized that the federal government cannot circumvent the required qualifications and procedures by claiming an unqualified individual is merely temporarily filling the role.
The court noted that the NIRC's chairman position is explicitly mentioned in the statute, not just an administrative convenience. The petitioner, a lawyer, challenged the appointment of Sardar Tahir Sabir, a NIRC member, as acting chairman, arguing that Mr. Sabir does not meet the necessary criteria as he is neither the senior-most member nor qualified for the position according to the relevant rules.
The court stressed that the law does not permit the creation of an acting chairman or any interim arrangement without lawful authority, as Mr. Sabir was not the most senior member nor qualified for the role under the applicable rules. The bench clarified that while the federal government has the power to appoint, it must adhere to the prescribed qualifications outlined in the relevant laws and rules.
The court directed the federal government to appoint a regular chairman who meets the qualifications set forth in the "Appointment of Chairman and Members (Qualification) Rules, 2022," within a reasonable period.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
