ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) sought reply from the federal government on petition pertaining to the appointments of advisers holding dual nationality.
During the court proceedings, Member National Assembly Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha said that according to the law, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s advisers cannot be part of the federal cabinet then how 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, Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha said that it was not acceptable for unelected people to make decisions for Pakistan.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader alleged that Prime Minister Imran Khan 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 Khan s 20 advisers and special assistants declared their assets and nationalities. The list of their possessions had been published on the official website of Pakistan government’s cabinet division. 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 dollars.
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 leader and 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.
Senator Sherry while taking a jibe at the prime minister 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 Khan did not know, it is a matter of further concern.
On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb also demanded resignations of PTI government’s ministers and advisors 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.
