Court rejects petition contesting Ishaq Dar appointment

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister on Thursday.

The court’s decision deemed the petition non-maintainable and dismissed it. The petition stated that the former finance minister, who currently serves as Pakistan’s foreign minister, was appointed as deputy PM “as a favoor”.

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The petitioner argued that the constitution lacks provisions for the deputy prime minister role and urged the court to nullify Dar’s appointment.

In response, the government’s counsel clarified that Dar was nominated, not formally appointed, as deputy PM, addressing the court’s query regarding his salary in this supposed role.

The government’s representative stated that Dar was receiving his salary as foreign minister. The lawyer maintained that as per law, the prime minister has the power to nominate individuals for different roles.

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After considering arguments from both sides, the court reserved judgment before ultimately rejecting the plea due to non-maintainability.