Title From Queen: LHC seeks reply on use of ‘sir’ by Nawaz

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court directed on Tuesday the federal government to ensure its reply on behalf of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to a petition filed against him for using the title of ‘sir’ purportedly given by the British queen.

Barrister Javed Iqbal Jafri filed the petition, stating the British queen had given knighthood to PM Nawaz during the golden jubilee celebrations of Pakistan in 1997. Nawaz, he challenged, could not use the title as he had not sought approval from parliament before accepting it.

Standing counsel Nadeem Anjum sought time to submit the reply. Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh directed the government’s counsel to persuade the PM to file his reply before the court passes any strict order. The hearing was adjourned till December 19.



In February this year, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as she began her three-day visit as part of global efforts to promote financial inclusion. The queen was visiting Pakistan in the capacity of UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Inclusive Finance for Development.

During the meeting at PM House in Islamabad, the prime minister said Pakistan valued its relations with the Netherlands, both bilaterally and within the context of the European Union.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th, 2016.