ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought reply from the federal government on a petition pertaining to the appointments of advisers holding dual nationality.
During the court proceedings, petitioner PML-N MNA Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha submitted that according to the law, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s advisers cannot be part of the federal cabinet whereas they were attending the meetings.
In his remarks, Deputy Attorney General Raja Khalid Mahmood said that the advisers could not be part of the cabinet but all can be part of the sub-committee.
After brief arguments, the court adjourned the hearing and sought a reply from the federal government within two weeks.
Talking to media after hearing, Ranjha said that it was not acceptable for un-elected people to make decisions for Pakistan. He alleged that PM Imran had once again taken a U-turn from his stance.
He said that sensitive issues come under discussion in the federal cabinet, adding that they wanted the court to make decisions in accordance with the constitution and law.
On Saturday, PM Imran’s 20 advisers and special assistants declared their assets and nationalities. At least six special advisers stated that they have dual nationalities as others announced self-declaration of their movable and immovable assets worth millions of rupees.
Many Pakistanis hailed the decision saying the declaration demonstrates PM Khan’s commitment towards accountability and has set new standards of transparency by the government. However, the move led to strong criticism by opposition leaders over dual nationalities of the advisers.
PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah said that the information about assets and dual nationalities of advisers and special assistants to the premier had opened a “Pandora’s box”.
She said that giving Moeed Yousaf, an American citizen, access to sensitive issues, including national security, is a matter of grave concern, adding that Nadeem Babar’s shares in petroleum companies is a conflict of interest. “The selected prime minister has been exposed,” she said.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said that Imran Khan has repeatedly said in the past that he stands against government aides, advisers, ministers who swear an oath of allegiance to another country.
She questioned whether dual nationals were building “Naya Pakistan”, adding that if PM Imran did not know, it is a matter of further concern.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb also demanded resignations of PTI government’s ministers and advisers holding dual nationality.
The PML-N spokesperson stated that PM Imran Khan had said that those having dual nationality cannot take decisions for the country. She further asked why those possessing foreign passports have been allowed to sit in the cabinet.
