The Supreme Court (SC) accepted an appeal on Monday that had sought the disqualification of Zulfi Bukhari, the prime minister’s special assistant on overseas Pakistanis and human resource development.
As the commenced, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar asked what portfolio Bukhari holds.
To this, Justice Nisar was told that Bukhari is Prime Minister Imran Khan’s special assistant.
“Tell me if an ordinary citizen can become a minister despite possessing dual nationality?” CJP further asked.
The petitioner’s counsel, Zafar Iqbal, said, “There is no post such as a special assistant as per the law.”
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The chief justice asked, “How does a special assistant’s post come under a federal or a state minister?”
“The post of special assistants has been created so those who cannot become ministers can be appointed as advisers,” Justice Nisar added.
The petitioner’s counsel then apprised the court that Bukhari had admitted before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that he was a dual national.
To this, the top judge said, “As per the Constitution, a dual national cannot be made minister but the point of concern is whether he cannot be appointed as a special assistant either.”
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Justice Nisar further told Bukhari’s counsel that he can approach the IHC first.
The session was then adjourned till November 16 (Friday) and notices were issued to PM Imran and other respondents.
