Khawaja Asif disqualification case: IHC to announce verdict today

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court will announce verdict in Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif’s disqualification case today. The petition filed by PTI leader Usman Dar seeking disqualification of foreign minister for concealing the facts that he was holding an UAE Iqama.

According to the reports, the larger bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) headed by Athar Minallah will announce the verdict as the notice has been issued for all concern parties.

Earlier this month, the court had reserved its verdict against the plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar. Dar filed the disqualification petition of the federal minister on the basis of Iqama.

A three-member larger bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akther Kiyani was hearing of the petition filed by PTI leader.

During the last proceeding, Khwaja Asif’s counsel requested the bench to grant more time so that they could resubmit reply in the case.

Justice Aamer Farooq observed that the case had been pending for the last six months and the court could not delay the proceedings anymore.

Foreign Minister earlier submitted the letter of a UAE-based International Mechanical and Electrical company’s letter in the court stating that Khawaja Asif had never served as full-time employee of the firm.