Sindh High Court Directs Governor to Decide on KE CEO’s Appeal Within Set Timeframe

Karachi: The **Sindh High Court** has directed the **Governor of Sindh** to make a decision within a specified timeframe on an appeal filed by **K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi** against an interim order issued by the **Provincial Ombudsman** regarding allegations of workplace harassment.

The court extended the **interim suspension order** issued by the Ombudsman—who had ordered the removal of Moonis Alvi from his position—until the next hearing.

During the hearing, the court reviewed the petition challenging the Ombudsman’s directive. **Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro** remarked that the court is inclined to **nullify the Ombudsman’s decision** and direct the Governor to adjudicate the pending appeal.

However, the **complainant’s counsel** opposed the court’s proposal, arguing that the High Court lacks jurisdiction in this matter. He maintained that Article 199 of the Constitution allows the High Court to intervene only when no other legal forum is available, while in this case, the CEO’s appeal is already pending before the Governor.

The complainant’s lawyer also pointed out that Moonis Alvi is **simultaneously pursuing relief through two forums**—the High Court and the Governor’s office. He asserted that if Alvi wishes to proceed in the High Court, he must **withdraw his appeal from the Governor’s office**.

In response, the petitioner’s counsel cited various precedents where **higher courts have annulled lower forum decisions** and directed the parties to return to the appropriate legal platform. He also mentioned that during the hearing before the Governor, the complainant’s side had **requested adjournments**.

Justice Kalhoro noted that the court **can instruct the Governor to decide on the appeal within a defined timeframe**. The petitioner’s counsel further argued that under the law, the Governor must issue a decision within **90 days**, and that the **Provincial Ombudsman has no authority over KE**, which is an **inter-provincial entity**.

The court concluded that if both parties do not agree with the court’s suggestion, it will proceed to **determine jurisdiction** after hearing detailed arguments.

The interim suspension of the Ombudsman’s order has been **extended**, and the court adjourned the hearing for **four weeks**.