“You are taking advantage of being a woman,” CJP to Ayesha Hamid
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 4th July, 2018) A hearing regarding the appointment of Ataul Haq Qasmi as Pakistan Television (PTV) MD was held in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Qasmi’s counsel Ayesha Hamid appeared in the court.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said that the attorney general had declared Qasmi’s appointment illegal in yesterday’s hearing.
“How can a playwright and a storyteller be appointed as ptv MD? Does he fulfill the required criteria?” The CJP questioned.
The CJP further said how can a person will little experience and qualification in journalism be appointed as the PTV MD. “Is writing ‘Khawaja and Sons’ and ‘Sheeda Talli’ his qualification?” he asked.
CJP Nisar said that he was appointed despite crossing his age limit for the appointment.
To this, Qasmi’s counsel Ayesha Hamid said that the leniency in age limit was not for Qasmi.
The CJP said that you are taking advantage of being a woman. To this, Hamid said that she should not be treated like any other lawyer.
The CJP said that such high salary and perks for Qasmi shows dishonesty. How was he appointed a defective MD?
The counsel said that it was in government’s power to appoint Qasmi.
To this, the CJP said, “Are you referring that the government has unlimited powers? The authority can only be used as per law. The court has a right to review this as it is a matter of a public office. Do you think of us as a fool? Look at the gradual events in Qasmi’s appointment, you will know this is unfair.”
Counsel Hamid said that her client had written a letter to the prime minister for the appointment of PTV MD.
The CJP said that these letters should be told by Qasmi himself, adding that the government overlooked the rules by appointing him.
The court summoned Qasmi within four hours.
CJP Nisar had remarked on Friday that the case against former chairman Pakistan Television, Ata ul Haq Qasmi would be shelved provided he submits Rs 270 million in the national exchequer.
