IHC disqualifies Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) disqualified on Thursday Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif as a member of the parliament for not disclosing an UAE iqama (work permit) in his nomination papers.

A three-member bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akther Kayani resumed the court proceedings. Justice Athar Minallah read out the verdict.

The bench had reserved their verdict on April 10. The bench had called all the parties to appear before the high court today.As soon as the verdict was announced, PTI supporters started chanting slogans of 'Go Nawaz Go'.

While talking to Geo News's anchor Hamid Mir, Asif said he will challenge the verdict by the IHC in Supreme Court. "I never concealed my iqama," he added.

The petition was filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar. In his petition, he stated that Asif had concealed an UAE iqama  in his nomination papers and should be disqualified.

The minister had, however, denied and had submitted the letter of a UAE-based International Mechanical and Electrical company’s letter in the court which stated that Asif had never served as full-time employee of the firm.

Speaking to the media after the verdict was announced, Dar congratulated PTI members and thanked his party leader Imran Khan for his support. Dar said that he had Sialkot get rid of the godfather Asif after 32 years.