Abbasi's nomination as interim PM challenged

Petitioner argues former minister is facing investigation over alleged corruption, misuse of power

LAHORE: The nomination of former petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as an interim prime minister has been challenged in the Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry.

Following Nawaz Sharif's disqualification, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had nominated on Saturday Abbasi as the interim PM until Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif manages to win a National Assembly seat and takes over.

Petitioner Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi in his application argued that Abbasi was nominated despite ongoing investigations of 'corruption' against him by the country’s top investigative institutions, including the National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency.



Claiming that the interim PM-designate is an owner of a local airline, and that a businessman could not become the country's chief executive, the petitioner contended Abbasi allegedly benefitted his private business while being a public office bearer.

Naqvi requested the court to declare Abbasi’s nomination null and void besides issuing directives for a stay on the upcoming vote for the PM.