ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday allowed Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz to resume official duties, setting aside the federal government’s earlier order for his suspension for 90 days.
The government on Sunday had suspended Aziz over charges of alleged corruption. The following day, Aziz moved the IHC, seeking the cancellation of the government order by allowing him to resume office until the court concluded the matter.
Aziz was suspended “with immediate effect for a period of ninety (90) days for fair conduct of inquiry under section 96, sub-section (1) of Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Act, 2015 (X of 2015)”, read the notification issued by the Interior Ministry.
Aziz, in his petition, nominated the federal government, Ministry of Interior and the Local Government Commission (LGC) while requesting the court to direct the said institutions to “work within the orbit of the law”.
In his petition, the mayor had asked the court to direct the stakeholders to “work within the orbit of law”.
Earlier this year, a reference had been filed against Aziz — who is affiliated with opposition party PML-N — in which it was alleged that he was abusing his powers, using staff for personal use, and operating official vehicles that were reportedly beyond his entitlement.
The reference was filed by Humayun Akhtar, a member of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the acting Chief Metropolitan Officer (CMO).
A local government commission led by PTI MP Ali Nawaz Awan had recommended Aziz be suspended during the course of an ensuing investigation.
Awan is also the Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan on CDA Affairs.
