The Chief Executive Officer of the Engineering Development Board (EDB), Hamad Ali Mansoor, has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the formation of a fact-finding committee against him, calling it illegal and demanding its proceedings be stayed.

Mansoor’s legal team argues that the committee lacks the legal authority to probe his actions as CEO, citing procedural flaws in its formation. The petition, filed on 12 June 2025, seeks an immediate injunction to halt the inquiry until the court rules on its validity.

The EDB is a federal body under the Ministry of Industries and Production, responsible for promoting engineering industries, facilitating exports, and attracting investment in the sector. The inquiry reportedly stems from allegations of misconduct and misuse of authority during Mansoor’s tenure, though no official charges have been made public.

  • Petition filed: 12 June 2025
  • Court: Islamabad High Court
  • Committee status: Fact-finding inquiry ongoing, but Mansoor seeks stay
  • EDB role: Federal agency under Ministry of Industries and Production
  • Allegations: Misconduct and misuse of authority (details undisclosed)

Why this matters for Pakistan’s industry

The EDB plays a key role in boosting Pakistan’s engineering exports, which stood at $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2023-24, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Any disruption in leadership at such a critical institution could slow down policy implementation, investor confidence, and sector growth.

Industry stakeholders told Naya Pakistan that prolonged legal battles could delay crucial projects, including those under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to fast-track foreign and local investments in priority sectors like engineering.

Legal arguments in the petition

Mansoor’s petition highlights several procedural irregularities in the committee’s formation:

  • Lack of clear terms of reference (ToR) for the inquiry
  • No formal notification to the EDB or Mansoor before the committee was set up
  • Alleged conflict of interest among committee members
  • Violation of service rules for federal employees

The petition also argues that the committee’s mandate exceeds its authority, as it appears to be conducting a disciplinary inquiry without following the proper legal framework under the Civil Servants Act 1973.

What happens next?

The Islamabad High Court has not yet issued a stay order, but the case has been listed for a hearing on 25 June 2025. If the court grants an injunction, the fact-finding committee’s work will be paused until the petition is decided.

Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how federal inquiries against senior bureaucrats are conducted. A ruling in Mansoor’s favor might strengthen protections for civil servants facing politically motivated probes, while a rejection could embolden government agencies to bypass due process.

What you should know

  • If you’re an investor or exporter: The EDB’s leadership stability affects policy continuity. Monitor the IHC’s decision closely.
  • If you’re a civil servant: The case highlights the risks of ad-hoc inquiries. Ensure all official actions are documented and compliant with service rules.
  • If you’re following Pakistan’s economy: Disruptions in key institutions like the EDB can impact export targets and foreign investment flows.

Key dates to watch

  • 12 June 2025: Petition filed in IHC
  • 25 June 2025: First hearing scheduled
  • TBD: Possible court order on stay or final decision

Where to follow updates

What experts say

"The case raises important questions about the rule of law in Pakistan’s bureaucracy," said legal analyst Ahmed Jamal, who tracks civil service reforms. "If the court rules that the committee was formed illegally, it could force the government to rethink how it conducts inquiries against senior officials."

Economist Zara Khan added, "Stability in institutions like the EDB is crucial for export growth. Any uncertainty can deter investors who rely on predictable policies."

Bottom line

This is not just a legal battle—it’s a test of whether Pakistan’s institutions can conduct fair and transparent inquiries without overreach. The IHC’s decision will send a signal to civil servants, investors, and the public about the government’s commitment to due process.

For now, the EDB’s work continues, but Mansoor’s legal challenge could reshape how future inquiries are handled at the highest levels of Pakistan’s bureaucracy.