LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on an intra court appeal (ICA) petition challenging the appointment of Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal heard the appeal filed by a citizen, Ashba Kamran.
During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Mirza Nasar Ahmad opposed the petition and maintained that the prime minister had the discretionary power to appoint a deputy prime minister under the rules of business.
He clarified that Senator Ishaq Dar was not exercising any powers or receiving any salary or perks associated with the deputy prime minister`s office.
The government`s counsel further asserted that the petition was not maintainable and should be dismissed.
The appellant in person, however, contended that the appointment of a non-elected individual (senator) to a post that implies executive authority was unconstitutional and legally flawed, as the Constitution did not recognise such a position. The activist asked the division bench to declare Dar`s appointment as deputy PM unconstitutional and also set aside the decision of the single bench about dismissal of her petition.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge reserved a judgment on the maintainability of the appeal.The single bench had on May 16 dismissed the petition for being not maintainable.
The cabinet division on April 28, 2024, issued a notification giving additional charge of deputy prime minister to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
NOTICE: The LHC on Wednesday issued a notice to the Punjab government on a petition by Kissan Board Pakistan against delay in fixing a support price for wheat.
Justice sultan Tanvir Ahmad heard the petition filed by the Board through its President Zafar Hussain Khan.
Advocate Zubair Afzal Rana appeared on behalf of the petitioner and highlighted that the government had yet to announce a minimum support price for wheat, causing significant financial hardship for farmers.
The counsel argued that the delay effectively left the farmers at the mercy of private flour mill owners, which could lead to exploitation and economic crisis for the agricultural community.
He contended that by not fixing the price, the government failed in its duty to protect the interests of farmers, who are already burdened by rising costs and uncertain market conditions.
The lawyer asked the court to direct the government to immediately set a fair and reasonable support price for wheat to ensure the welfare of farmers and stability in the agricultural sector.Staff Reporter
