The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the removal of Lt Gen Munir Afsar as Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), declaring his appointment null and void. This decision came after a petition was filed by Ashba Kamran, challenging the legality of Afsar’s appointment.
In a reserved verdict delivered by Justice Asim Hafeez, the court ruled that the appointment was made without proper legal authority. Justice Hafeez emphasized that the appointment could not be legitimized as it was made by the caretaker government through amendments to the Nadra Ordinance—a move deemed outside their scope of authority.
The court directed that a copy of the judgment be sent to the federal cabinet, the Ministry of Interior, and all relevant departments to ensure compliance.
The petition argued that the caretaker government’s role is limited to interim functions and does not extend to permanent policy decisions, including the appointment of high-ranking officials such as the Nadra Chairman. Consequently, the petition requested the court to annul the Nadra amendment rules and invalidate the appointment of a serving military officer to the position.
The ruling underscores the court's stance on maintaining legal and procedural integrity in governmental appointments and highlights the limitations of the caretaker government’s powers.