Disqualification case: SHC issues notices to Sohail Anwar Siyal, federal govt, chief election commissioner

Petitioner claims home minister did not disclose his UAE iqama

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued on Friday notices to Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal, the chief election commissioner (CEC), federal government and others on a petition relating to Siyal's alleged iqama.

A two-judge bench heard the matter. A lawyer representing the petitioner, Allah Bux, argued that Siyal had obtained an iqama - a residence or work permit - of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but did not disclose it in official documents.

The SHC was informed that the home minister had been an MPA since 2014 when he was elected from PS-35. The lawyer claimed that he had been holding an iqama of the UAE since the same year.



The lawyer pleaded that since Siyal concealed crucial information, he was no longer sadiq and ameen and, hence, should be disqualified. The SHC was also asked to bar him from contesting the 2018 elections.

A public prosecutor, Shabbir Shah, however, argued that the petition should not be heard as it will become ineffective after three days as the Sindh Assembly will complete its tenure on May 28. After May 28, Siyal will no longer will be an MPA and, therefore, the plea for his disqualification will stand inapplicable, the prosecutor said.

After hearing the arguments, the bench issued notices to the home minister, federal government, CEC and others. The hearing was adjourned till June 5.