SC issues notices to Ishaq Dar, Saira Afzal for not complying with court orders

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to National Health Services Minister Saira Afzal Tarrar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the provincial finance ministers and multiple government employees regarding the contempt of court case filed against them for failing to abide by the court orders to regulate the “lady health workers” service across the country.

The two-member bench, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Umer Atta Bandial, heard the case filed by the president of All Pakistan Ladies Health Workers Welfare Association, Bushra Arain.

Arain, who was present in person, stated that the Supreme Court had issued directives on March 7, 2013, and then on September 22, 2015, ordering the government that lady health workers be made permanent, making a service structure for them, and paying their dues.

However, she clarified that the court’s orders were not followed and that salaries from the last four months had yet to be paid.

She further requested that the court should initiate contempt proceedings against the accused.

Commenting on the case, Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that this was the second time the accused party had failed to implement the court’s orders.

After the hearing, the court issued notices to the accused and adjourned the case till the next hearing set for an indefinite period.

Source: Dawn