GB Chief Judge dismisses his secretary over misconduct

GILGIT: Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit Baltistan Chief Judge Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan on Thursday dismissed his Secretary Usman Bashir Janjua (BPS 20) over misuse of power and financial and administrative misconduct.

The Chief Judge finalised the decision, ending months of procedural scrutiny that began with Janjua’s suspension on March 8, 2024.

The initial suspension came after accusations surfaced against Janjua involving undue interference in administrative affairs and exceeding his delegated powers, leading to financial and administrative irregularities.

Following the suspension, a departmental inquiry was initiated under the Supreme Appellate Court Establishment Rules 2022. The Registrar of the Supreme Appellate Court, acting as the inquiry officer, conducted three separate inquiries on a daily basis to ensure a thorough investigation.
Throughout the inquiry process, Janjua was provided with ample opportunities to defend himself. However, he failed to substantiate his innocence against the charges laid out.

The inquiry officer found substantial evidence supporting the allegations of financial and administrative misconduct and recommended to the disciplinary authority that Janjua be dismissed from service under the established 2022 rules.

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Upon reviewing the inquiry officer’s recommendations and the final report, Chief Judge Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan, serving as the disciplinary authority, personally called Janjua to offer one last chance to defend himself.

After hearing Janjua’s defence, which failed to alter the course of findings, the Chief Judge concluded that the evidence against the secretary was incontrovertible and warranted immediate dismissal.
Following the dismissal order by the Chief Justice, the Registrar of the Supreme Appellate Court formally issued the notification of Usman Bashir Janjua’s removal from his position as the Secretary to the Chief Justice.