Islamabad (Pakistan News): Supreme Court Justice Hashim Kakar stated that civil servants are not obligated to follow illegal orders, even if issued by the Prime Minister.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Hashim Kakar, was hearing a case regarding illegal recruitments in OGDCIL. The NAB lawyer informed the court that former Minister Anwar Saifullah had directed the OGCL Chairman to issue appointment letters, and the job letters were also sent via the federal minister’s office, while the proper recruitment procedure should have been conducted through advertisements.
Justice Hashim Kakar remarked that overstaffing exists in every government department, and even if the Prime Minister issues an illegal order, civil servants are not bound to follow it. Justice Salahuddin Panwar added that citizens often request jobs from ministers, while Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim noted that the concerned federal minister has already served a punishment.
During the hearing, it was pointed out that overstaffing in PIA had led to privatization, and these recruitments occurred before the Accountability Commission law was in place. Justice Hashim Kakar commented that “a punishment mark exists” and questioned whether it is not enough that the minister has already served the penalty.
The NAB lawyer requested the court to reject the review petition and uphold the original decision. The court directed lawyers to prepare for the former minister’s review petition.
