In a significant legal development, a constitutional petition has been filed in the Sindh High Court challenging the appointment of two “junior” lawyers as Assistant Advocates General (AAG). Advocate Syed Muhammad Ali Jafri, the petitioner, claims that the appointments of AAGs Dawood Jan Mazari and Asad Jamali were made against merit and purely on political grounds.
Despite repeated notices from the Sindh High Court, the respondents, including the AAGs, Sindh Chief Secretary, Law Secretary, and Advocate General, have reportedly failed to submit their comments on the matter. According to Jafri, the appointments allegedly violate the criteria that require a lawyer to have five years of experience in the high court for the AAG position.
The petitioner highlights that the AAG role comes with significant perks, including a monthly salary of Rs400,000, Rs60,000 as house rent, 180 liters of fuel, a police guard, and a driver—all funded by the government. Jafri contends that the newly-appointed AAGs lack the requisite experience, as both were enrolled as Sindh High Court lawyers in August 2021, falling short of the stipulated five years according to Rule 3-D of the Sindh Law Officers (Condition of Service) Rules, 1940.
Assistant Advocate General Dawood Mazari defends his appointment, stating it aligns with merit and rules, while asserting that the five-year rule is not a law but a rule that could be relaxed. Mazari acknowledges his affiliation with the PPP and his familial relation to former MNA Saleem Jan Mazari. AAG Jamali echoes a similar stance in response to the allegations. This legal challenge raises questions about the transparency and adherence to merit in the appointment process within the legal framework. Stay tuned for further developments on this matter.
