Islamabad High Court Halts IHRA Recruitment After Petition Challenges Legality
Nadeem Tanoli
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) from finalizing its ongoing recruitment process, following a petition that questioned the legality of the hiring exercise. The court’s interim order has effectively frozen the appointments announced under the authority’s June 5, 2025 advertisement
The petition was filed by Muhammad Hassan ul Iftikhar, a former IHRA Inspection Officer, who argued through Advocate Dr. G.M. Chaudhry that the recruitment drive was launched without first framing mandatory recruitment rules under the IHRA Act, 2018. He maintained that the advertisement violated Sections 4(1)(p), 10, and 47 of the Act, read with Section 42, as well as provisions of the General Clauses Act, 1897, and instructions of the Establishment Division
The petitioner also urged the court to refer the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for an inquiry into alleged misuse of authority by the IHRA Board and CEO, alongside requests to set aside the advertisement, recover recruitment expenses from responsible officials, and ensure that rules are framed before future appointments.
Justice Muhammad Asif, while noting that the arguments raised “need consideration,” issued notices to the Federation of Pakistan through the Ministry of National Health Services, IHRA, and other respondents, directing them to submit detailed replies within two weeks. Until then, the respondents have been barred from finalizing any appointments under the disputed advertisement
Legal experts observe that the case may set an important precedent on the requirement for federal regulatory bodies to establish proper recruitment rules before initiating hiring processes. The eventual ruling could influence transparency and accountability across healthcare regulation in Pakistan.
News Link: Islamabad High Court Stops IHRA Recruitment Over Legal Challenge – Peak Point
