IHC sets hearing on FDE head appointment dispute

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is set to hear on May 21 a petition concerning the delay in appointing the director general of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), despite a recommendation made by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

The case has been filed by Javed Iqbal Mirza and will be taken up by Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir. During an earlier hearing, the court issued notices to the Ministry of Education and other respondents and sought detailed replies.

Petition challenges delay after FPSC recommendation

According to available documents, the FPSC recommended on March 4, 2026 that Director Admin Javed Iqbal Mirza be appointed as director general of the Federal Directorate of Education in BS-21 after completing the required tests and interviews.

However, the Ministry of Education has not yet completed the appointment process. Before a formal notification can be issued, the ministry is required to send a summary to the federal government for approval.

That summary regarding Mirza’s appointment has still not been forwarded to the prime minister.

Post vacant for three years

Sources said the post of director general of the Federal Directorate of Education has remained vacant for the past three years. During this period, the affairs of 432 institutions have been managed on an ad hoc basis.

The petition before the IHC relates to the continued delay in filling the position on a regular basis, even after the FPSC completed its selection process and made its recommendation earlier this year.

The court is expected to examine the matter at the next hearing, with responses already sought from the Ministry of Education and other relevant parties.

The case centres on the appointment process for one of the key education posts in the federal capital’s education administration. The Federal Directorate of Education oversees a large number of institutions, and the issue raised in the petition concerns the absence of a permanent head despite the completion of the recruitment process through the FPSC.

Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir will hear the matter on May 21 in the Islamabad High Court.