LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) reserved its verdict on Wednesday regarding the petition challenging the appointment of Ishaq Dar as Deputy Prime Minister. The plea, filed by citizen Ashba Kamran, argued that there is no constitutional provision for the office of Deputy Prime Minister, and that Ishaq Dar’s appointment violates the Constitution.
The petitioner claimed that Ishaq Dar, a senator, is not eligible to hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister. The petition requested the court to declare Dar’s appointment null and void, citing that the Prime Minister had exceeded his constitutional powers.
During the hearing, the additional attorney general contended that the Prime Minister holds the authority to appoint a Deputy Prime Minister. The case was heard by a two-member bench headed by Justice Chaudhry Iqbal. After listening to the arguments, the court reserved its judgment on the matter.
Earlier, Sher Afzal Marwat, a PTI leader, had also challenged Dar’s appointment in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Marwat argued that Dar, already serving as Finance Minister, was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister on April 28, which he contended was unconstitutional. Marwat further emphasized that the 1973 Constitution does not provide for the position of Deputy Prime Minister, making Dar's appointment invalid.
The reserved verdict from the LHC is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the legality of Ishaq Dar’s role as Deputy Prime Minister.
