Plea filed against Nawaz chairing meetings

A petitioner has requested the Lahore High Court (LHC) to prohibit former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from presiding over administrative meetings and issuing directives to cabinet members and state officials despite holding no official position in either the provincial or federal government.

The petitioner, Mushkoor Hussain, argued that Nawaz Sharif, the supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has recently chaired three administrative meetings of the Punjab government.

He contended that the move, coming after his prolonged absence from public view since the general elections, had raised significant concerns.

On March 18, the three-time former premier chaired administrative meetings of the Punjab government alongside his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

During the sessions, directives were issued concerning various infrastructure projects, including the underground train and metro bus, as well as initiatives addressing farmers' issues, provision of electric bikes for students and the Ramazan relief package.

The petitioner argued that Nawaz Sharif's involvement in the meetings raised constitutional questions, considering his lack of any official position in the government at either the provincial or federal level.

He stated that it was widely perceived that the leader holds significant sway over major decisions, even though he only holds a seat in the National Assembly.

He cited the chief minister’s remarks when asked why Nawaz Sharif's image adorns the bags used to distribute ration under the Ramazan package. The response was, "Because it is Nawaz Sharif’s government."

The petition contended that Nawaz Sharif's participation in the meetings and issuance of directives is unlawful and unconstitutional, violating both the Punjab Government Rules of Business 2011 and the principles of democracy enshrined in the constitution.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2024.