Staff Reporter
Islamabad
While rejecting a petition against the appointment of dual nationals as special assistants by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that the “patriotism of Pakistani citizens holding dual nationality cannot be doubted.”
The IHC remarked in a written judgement that the premier was accountable to the people and could not run the state affairs alone.
“The Federal Government has made the Rules of 1973 and has described the ‘Organization of Divisions’ in rule 4 ibid. Sub rule 6 of rule 4 enables the Prime Minister to appoint Special Assistant or Special Assistants and to determine their status and functions,” IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah wrote.
“The Rules of 1973, particularly rule 4(6) are not in conflict with the provisions of the Constitution. Special Assistants are not members of the Federal Cabinet. Moreover, they are distinct from Advisors appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister under Article 93(1) of the Constitution.
