On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the removal of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman. Justice Babar Sattar ruled that his appointment was illegal. This decision came after a petition filed by digital rights activist Usama Khilji in 2023. The ruling exposes flaws in the hiring process for PTA’s member (administration) role.
Khilji challenged the creation and filling of the member (administration) post. The court initially halted the hiring process but later permitted it to continue until the final verdict. Rehman was appointed to that post and later became PTA Chairman. The government asked for a stay, but the court warned that appointments would depend on the final outcome.
🚨🚨#BREAKING: #JusticeBabarSattar terminated appointment of chairman #PTA Gen (r) Hafeez ur Rehman in 99 pages judgement, declared “entire process of appointment of Chairman PTA has been found to suffer from malice in law being the product of an unconstitutional and illegal… pic.twitter.com/BnT2YFMPaM
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) September 16, 2025Justice Sattar found that the process lacked fairness and showed “mala fide in law.” The selection committee recommended three candidates, which broke Rule 4(4) of PTA Appointment Rules that requires only one candidate. The government chose the least qualified candidate without explanation, breaking Section 24A of the General Clauses Act, 1897, which demands fair action. Rehman’s promotion to Chairman was also illegal and lacked transparency.
The court declared the entire hiring process unconstitutional. All related decisions, including Rehman’s appointments, are invalid. Rehman must step down immediately. The senior-most PTA member will serve as interim Chairman until a new appointment is made. The verdict ensures lawful practices in public sector hiring.
The IHC ruling strengthens transparency in government appointments. It tackles worries about favouritism in telecom regulation and affects the PTA’s reputation. As the main body for digital rights and security, PTA’s leadership change may impact future policies and public trust
