ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Wednesday that the government would restore Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) by next week.

Dr Tauqeer Shah, who was later removed as health secretary the same day, appeared before the court to submit a reply on the petition filed by former PMDC registrar Nadeem Akbar, challenging the order that made him an officer on special duty (OSD).

However, during the course of hearing on Wednesday, when IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani inquired about the implementation of the judgment on PMDC, Shah replied that the matter has been forwarded to the ministry of law and justice.

He expressed the hope that following a green light from the law ministry, the NHS would revive the PMDC.

Justice Kayani had declared the Presidential Ordinance that repealed the PMDC was ultra vires on February 11 and directed the federal government to reinstate the sacked employees of the council.

The court also held that the formation of PMC was not authorised by the law.

President Dr Arif Alvi in October last year promulgated an ordinance which left the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) dissolved and paved the way for establishment of Pakistan Medical Commission.