The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday barred Naeem Bukhari from working as Chairman Pakistan Television (PTV) Board and referred the matter to federal government again.

According to details, the hearing challenging appointment of Naeem Bukhari was conducted by Chief Justice IHC Athar Minallah on the petition of a citizen Arsalan Farrukh, through his lawyer, Raja Mohammad Shakeel Abbasi.

During proceedings, an authorized officer of Ministry of Information appeared before the court on the directions of CJ IHC.

Court asked the ministry representative if there was any relaxation in age limit to which he replied that relaxation was given and two summaries were also sent to the cabinet in this regard.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked that the Ministry of Information is not authorized to appoint a chairman.

“Did you not read the Supreme Court’s verdict? It is clearly mentioned in that verdict thata federal government cannot appoint chairman PTV. The appointment of Bukhari seems to be in violation of the verdict of the apex court,” Justice Athar said adding, “This bench rarely interferes in executive’s domain. You have not justified the relaxation of age limit. You sent a summary without reading the decision.”

On November 24, the Information Ministry had sent out a notification of Naeem Bukhari’s appointment as director of the state-run TV channel.