Balochistan High Court annuls appointment of Hafeez Sheikh in NFC

The Balochistan High Court has annulled the appointment of Finance Advisor Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Secretary Finance as experts in the National Financial Commission Award (NFC).

According to the details, A bench of the Balochistan High Court comprising Chief Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel and Justice Nazir Ahmad Langu heard miscellaneous petitions relating to the National Finance Commission (NFC). The court also quashed the terms of reference issued by President Dr Arif Alvi.

The court ruled on the miscellaneous petitions that the appointment of members for the NFC was not in accordance with the rules and regulations and the constitution, therefore the President should appoint a new member on the advice and recommendation of the Governor of Balochistan, the Chief Minister or the provincial government.

The decision said that the government should keep in consideration Article 160 of the Constitution regarding the composition of the NFC Award. Under Article 160-3A of the Constitution, the share of the provinces should not be less than the previous award.

It may be recalled that the President Dr. Arif Alvi had constituted the 10th National Financial Commission (NFC) on May 12, 2020 in which Javed Jabbar from Balochistan was appointed as a member.

However, his appointment and the 10th NFC Award’s terms of reference were challenged in the Balochistan High Court through various constitutional petitions.

Javed Jabbar, who was appointed as a member from Balochistan, later announced his resignation.

During the hearing, petitioners Kamran Murtaza Advocate, Sajid Tareen Advocate, Rahib Buledi Advocate, Deputy Attorney General Ghulam Mustafa Buzdar and Syed Iqbal Shah Advocate, Advocate General Balochistan Arbab Muhammad Tahir Advocate and AAG Sheh Haq Baloch appeared.