Quetta: The appointment of Shahid Rind as an aide to the Chief Minister of Balochistan has been challenged before the Balochistan High Court (BHC), raising important constitutional and legal questions regarding political appointments within the provincial government.
The constitutional petition was filed by Advocate Abdul Sadiq Khilji and has been admitted for regular hearing by the court. The matter was heard by Justice Najamuddin Mengal at the Balochistan High Court, Quetta Bench.
During the hearing, the petitioner contended that Shahid Rind’s appointment as an adviser for political and media affairs to the Chief Minister of Balochistan is illegal and unconstitutional. Advocate Khilji argued that the law does not authorize the Chief Minister to make such appointments, particularly outside the framework laid down in the Constitution and relevant rules of business.
The petitioner further maintained that both the Supreme Court of Pakistan and various High Courts have previously delivered clear judgments declaring similar appointments unlawful. He submitted that political coordinators, spokespersons, and media aides appointed without constitutional backing place an unnecessary burden on the public exchequer and undermine principles of transparency and accountability.
After hearing the preliminary arguments, the Balochistan High Court issued notices to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Chief Secretary, and Shahid Rind, directing them to submit their replies in the matter.
The court subsequently adjourned the hearing and postponed further proceedings until after the judicial vacations.
It is worth noting that Advocate Abdul Sadiq Khilji has previously challenged multiple appointments of spokespersons and coordinators made by the provincial government, consistently questioning their legal status and constitutional validity.
The case is being closely watched as it may have wider implications for future political and advisory appointments in Balochistan, particularly those made without explicit constitutional authorization.
