29/03/2026
Special Report Daily relation times Muhammad Daniyal
IHC Voids Promotion Results: Prominent Officer Sohail Ali Khan and Others Vindicated by Landmark Judgment
ISLAMABAD (Report by Chief Correspondent Muhammad Daniyal Khan) – In a significant judicial intervention, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared the recommendations of the 29th High-Powered Selection Board (HPSB) null and void. The ruling brings a major reprieve to prominent Grade 21 officer Sohail Ali Khan and several of his senior colleagues, whose promotions to Grade 22 were previously overlooked in favor of junior officers.
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas issued the 63-page detailed judgment, partially accepting the petitions filed by seven senior bureaucrats, including Sohail Ali Khan, Muhammad Asad Islam Madni, and others.
Key Rulings from the IHC Judgment
Vindication of Sohail Ali Khan's Record: The court observed that negative assessments regarding the integrity and competence of Sohail Ali Khan, Murtaza Khan, and Amna Imran were not supported by any material on record. The judge ruled that such conclusions were "personal impressions" rather than facts from official service dossiers.
Abolition of the "Two-Strike" Rule: The court struck down the rule that permanently disqualified officers from promotion after being considered twice without elevation. Justice Minhas termed this "unlawful," stating it deprived officers of the right to advancement even if they improved their service records.
Due Process Over Discretion: The judgment held that labeling an officer with "doubtful integrity" while allowing them to continue serving in Grade 21 is a contradiction. The court emphasized that any allegations regarding financial or professional integrity must be addressed through formal departmental inquiries, not used as a tool to block promotions without proof.
Reliance on Service Dossiers: The court directed that all future promotion decisions must rely strictly on documented performance in official dossiers rather than unverified information or subjective labels like "average capability."
The Path Forward
The verdict is seen as a major win for meritocracy within the federal bureaucracy. By clearing the "stigmas" placed on these officers without due process, the court has cleared the path for Sohail Ali Khan and his peers to be reconsidered for the highest civil service rank (Grade 22) based on their actual career achievements and documented merit.