Government defers filing appeal against LHC verdict

20 Nov, 2019

Addressing media persons after the cabinet meeting, Law Minister Dr Farogh Naseem explained that the federal cabinet has examined the Lahore High Court order that allowed PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad; however, it is an interim order and there are several court precedents available where the apex court did not entertain an appeal against such orders and therefore it was decided the filing of appeal may be considered after the LHC passed its final verdict.

He said the success rate of appeals against interim orders is more or less 0.5 percent. Thus the party has taken the decision to await the final order.

Naseem said the Lahore High Court will announce its detailed judgment in Nawaz Sharif's case in January. He added, "We have a chance to file an appeal against court's verdict." He remarked, "The court has converted the matter into contempt of court."

He said, "If we did not appeal against the LHC verdict, it does not mean that we do not have a right to appeal." The law minister said that the LHC gave one-time permission to Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad.

Alongside law minister, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Prime Minister Khan updated the cabinet on improved economic indicators of the country.

She said the Prime Minister has directed all the ministers to access performance of their ministries on a monthly basis. The Prime Minister directed all ministries and departments to accelerate efforts in the implementation of people-friendly policies of the government.

The cabinet also approved eight points that were included in the agenda of the meeting, including the National Tariff Policy and Renewable Energy Policy, the special assistant said.

The cabinet discussed the importance of alternative energy in the overall energy mix and how to increase its share, she said.

The special assistant said the cabinet endorsed the decisions of Economic Coordination Committee's last meeting. It also formally approved the decisions made in JCC meeting between Pakistan and China, she further said.

The cabinet discussed the issue of appointments on 134 vacant senior posts in various ministries and departments, she said, adding vacant posts are of higher levels including those for CEOs, managing directors and chairmen. The forum was appraised that on 89 positions, people are working with additional charge.

She said the Prime Minister congratulated the government's economic team on its achievements. She said for the "first time" current account deficit has decreased in the country due to measures taken by the government's economic team. She said the Prime Minister has also acknowledged the improvement of economic indicators which restored the confidence of local and foreign investors.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

Read Comments