SHC seeks arguments on appointment of SBP chief, FM

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday sought arguments from the federal government on a petition challenging the appointment of the Governor State Bank of Pakistan and the Finance Minister.

A two-member bench of the SHC heard a petition, filed by Iqbal Hyder, challenging the appointments of Hafeez Shaikh as Finance Minister and Bakir Raza as Governor State Bank. The bench termed petition maintainable and sought arguments from the federal government.

The bench remarked that appointments of State Bank’s Governor and Finance Minister is a policy matter. “Violation of law and constitution has been made in this matter,” the bench remarked.

The petitioner stated that appointment of both Hafeez Shaikh and Bakir Raza is linked with the autonomy of country because Pakistan is an autonomous country.

“How an employer of foreign financial institution can run the finance department of Pakistan,” the petitioner stated.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till 15 May.