Deputy premier’s post honorary, IHC told

Marwat’s counsel request formation of a larger bench

ISLAMABAD:

The Cabinet Division has informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the post of deputy prime minister is honorary and that no special office has been established for the deputy PM.

IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq on Wednesday resumed hearing a petition filed by PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat against the appointment of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister.

Counsel for Marwat, Riaz Hanif Rahi, asserted that Ishaq Dar is the beneficiary of this post as he also holds the position of the country’s foreign minister. He contended that there is no provision for the post of a deputy prime minister in the Constitution or law.

He said the practice of giving additional charges to government officers and public officeholders is rampant in Pakistan, with 50 petitions filed in the courts against assigning additional posts.

The lawyer said Ishaq Dar holds the positions of both foreign minister and deputy prime minister, while the Islamabad chief commissioner also holds the charge of the CDA chairman.

“If someone holds an illegal position, the case should not be delayed even for a day. The court could affirm its authority by ruling on dual appointments,” he added. Rahi requested the formation of a larger bench to address the case “for the sake of good governance.” The court later adjourned for an indefinite period.

Last month, PTI’s Marwat filed a petition against Dar’s appointment as deputy PM, arguing that the position of prime minister is a constitutional office, while the Constitution of Pakistan does not recognize the office of deputy prime minister.

There is no clause in the Constitution that allows the Cabinet Division to issue a notification for the appointment of a deputy prime minister, it said. The petition further contended that granting two positions to one individual at the public’s expense for personal gain was inappropriate.

The petition requested the court to annul the notification of Ishaq Dar’s appointment as deputy prime minister, dated April 28, 2024.