News Desk |
Supreme Court (SC) while dismissing a petition seeking removal of Zulfi Bokhari from the office of special assistant to Prime Minister (PM) has remarked Zufi Bokhari cannot work as the minister but he can continue to work as special assistant to PM.
The case pertaining to dual nationality of Zulfi Bokhari, special assistant to PM Imran Khan, came up for hearing in SC Lahore registry Wednesday.
The court rejected the petition seeking disqualification of Zulfi Bokhari. CJP remarked, “Zulfi Bokhari cannot work as a minister, however, he can continue his work as a special assistant”.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) inquired “who is Zulfi Bokhari? what is his qualification? From where has he come? How his appointment was made all of a sudden? Competent people should have been appointed in New Pakistan. Court will review appointment made on personal likes.
Aitzaz Ahsan counsel for Zulfi Bokhari said” Anyone who enjoys the confidence of PM can be appointed as a special assistant. No question can be raised on the qualification of special assistant.
CJP remarked “you are challenging the jurisdiction of the court. We tell just now what is the jurisdiction of a court. “ The counsel said, “British Airways came to Pakistan due to Zulfi Bokhari”.
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CJP remarked, “it was better to activate PIA than bringing British Airways”. Aitzaz Ahsan said courts cannot interfere in several matters of an executive.
CJP inquired “can limitless powers be given to PM. We have to see if the post of a special assistant is not in conflict with the constitution. You will have to prove your appointment is in conformity with the constitution”.
He inquired if the constitution does not permit then how Zulfi Bokhari is using the office of minister. Aitzaz Ahsan told the court Zulfi Bokhari is neither holding the post of minister nor is he having administrative powers.
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The court rejected the petition seeking disqualification of Zulfi Bokhari. CJP remarked, “Zulfi Bokhari cannot work as a minister, however, he can continue his work as a special assistant”.