Dr Tariq Banuri restored as HEC chairman

The Islamabad High Court (HEC) restored Dr Tariq Javed Banuri as chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC).
In a short order, authored by Justice Aamer Farooq, the IHC stated that the notifications, dated 26/03/2021 and 05/04/2021, were issued without lawful authority and contrary to the amended provisions of the HEC Ordinance, 2002.
“Respondent No. 6 Dr Tariq Javed Banuri, therefore, stands restored as the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission,” the order said.
In March 2021, Dr Banuri was removed from office unceremoniously by the PTI government when his tenure was shortened from four to three years through an amendment to the HEC ordinance. Later, he approached the IHC against his premature removal.
The IHC had barred the government from appointing a new chairman till the case is decided.
Dr Banuri was appointed in May 2018 by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for a four-year term and his tenure was due to end in May 2022.
There were reportedly widespread complaints against him, accusing him of running the HEC on an ad hoc basis. Meanwhile, the National Accountability Bureau had launched an investigation against him for corruption, irregularities, mismanagement and appointment of consultants.
The federal government’s decision to sack Dr Banuri was criticised by experts and educationists who termed the move as damaging. n