Envoy-designate to US: IHC issues notice to Ali Jahangir Siddiqui

Petition challenges Siddiqui's probable appointment as Pakistan's ambassador to US

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a notice to Ali Jahangir Siddiqui, special assistant to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on a petition challenging his probable appointment as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States.

A single-bench headed by Justice Athar Minallah began hearing of a petition filed by Shahzad Siddiqui Alvi through counsels Advocate Chaudhry Hasan Murtaza Mann and Barrister Sajeel Sheryar Swati on Monday, requesting the court to declare the prospective appointment a “violation of law, equity, justice, fairness and public policy”.

It is pertinent to mention here that Siddiqui remains US envoy-designate.

Notices were also issued to the attorney Secretary Cabinet Division, Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary in the case.

The petition seeks the high court to set aside the nomination of Siddiqui for being “ultra vires of the law, Constitution and policies” and direct the government to withdraw the “impugned order”.

Highlighting that Pakistan’s ambassador to the US should be known for “experience, achievements and eminence in the arena of diplomacy in the best interest of the nation”, the petitioner has requested the court to direct relevant authorities to appoint a suitable candidate.

It also urges the government to clarify the investment banker’s appointment as special assistant to the premier with the status of minister of state.