SC questions FOSPAH chairperson’s qualifications

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised concerns over qualifications of the chairperson of the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) while hearing an appeal filed by the institution, with judges questioning how an appeal had been pursued despite an admission of lacking legal knowledge.

Bench questions legal competence

A two-member bench headed by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail heard the matter and repeatedly questioned the legal competence of the office. Justice Shahid Waheed observed that the appeal itself stated the ombudsperson lacked knowledge of the law and noted that an affidavit to the same effect had also been submitted.

Justice Mandokhail remarked that people approached FOSPAH to seek justice and questioned what relief could be expected if its chairperson was unfamiliar with the law. He further observed that the appeal appeared to be time-barred and asked how it had been filed despite the stated lack of legal knowledge.

During the proceedings, the counsel for the ombudsperson argued that the legal issue before the court was whether the Service Tribunal had jurisdiction to hear cases involving employees of the ombudsperson’s office, adding that guidance had been sought from the court on the matter.

Appeal withdrawn

When asked by Justice Shahid Waheed to identify the chairperson, the counsel informed the bench that Fauzia Waqar held the position.

Justice Shahid Waheed questioned whether the court should issue observations recommending the chairperson’s removal from office and also asked why the appeal should not be dismissed with costs.

Following the court’s observations, the counsel for the FOSPAH withdrew the appeal. The SC subsequently dismissed the case on the basis of the withdrawal.