ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court today (Thursday) has dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of dual nationals as Prime Minister’s aides.
In the case pertaining to dual citizenship of the special assistants to the prime minister, Justice Athar Minallah in a detailed verdict informed that PM’s special assistant cannot be disqualified over dual nationalities.
The IHC judge further said that neither the special assistants to the prime minister nor their patriotism could be doubted based on the fact that they held dual citizenship. “There is also no restriction on appointing persons having dual nationality,” the verdict added.
“The only restriction provided in the Constitution is under Article 63(1) (c) and it is confined to disqualification of a person from being elected or chosen as, and from being, a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament),” he added.
The federal government had earlier posted the assets and nationalities details of their special assistants and advisors to Prime Minister. It was revealed that seven special assistants and advisers were either dual nationals or they held a residency in other countries.
Later, PM’s aide on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus and special assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza resigned from their posts. Aidrus cited criticism over her Canadian nationality as the reason behind her resignation.
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