IHC releases detailed verdict in ZTBL VPs demotion case

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has released the detailed judgement in the case of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) employees’ demotion order, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

The court declared null and void the demotion of 112 vice presidents of ZTBL observing that the bank president, who issued demotion order of the employees, had no authority to make any policy decision. 

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minullah released a 16-page long detailed judgement in the case on Saturday. 

The court said no board of directors was functioning at ZTBL for three years and the Supreme Court was not informed of the fact. And this was the reason that the bank had failed to implement apex court’s ruling. 

However, the federal government acting upon Islamabad High Court’s order, formed a board of directors of the bank on Dec 30, 2020. The president of the newly formed board ordered to demote 112 vice presidents in the name of restructuring of the bank and asked them to give back all perks and privileges these officers received after being promoted. 

The Islamabad High Court directed the ZTBL board to decide the case in the light of Supreme Court’s ruling in three months’ time. If the board fails to decide the case in three months, the promotion orders of the bank officials would become ineffective, the court ruled and added that once the notification becomes ineffective, the bank will be required to make new appointments according to the previous rules. 

The court directed to put its ruling before the board.