rehman-malik-online-670
Interior Minister Rehman Malik. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Rehman Malik's counsel, Barrister Anwar Mansoor, on Thursday said that the Supreme Court had not disqualified his client through its verdict on the dual nationality case, adding that, it was up to Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari to decide on Malik's membership, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives after the court's verdict in the said case, Mansoor said Malik remained a senator as well as a minister, adding that, the court had forwarded the matter to the Senate's chairman.

The Senate's chairman would assess the legal requisites and implications and then decide on Malik's membership, Mansoor said.

Responding to a question, the counsel said the decision pertaining to initiation of criminal proceedings against Malik would be taken by a concerned court.

On the occasion, Malik, who was accompanying his counsel, said he respected the decision of the Supreme Court.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers holding dual nationalities were not eligible to hold any public officers and declared all such lawmakers as disqualified.

Ruling that Rehman Malik was a British citizen until May 29, 2012, the verdict stated that the PPP leader was not transparent with respect to his statements and could no longer be considered ‘sadiq’ and ‘ameen’.

The Senate’s chairman should send a reference against Malik, the court ruled, adding that, the minister’s affidavit for the Senate’s election was not factual.

On July 27, Malik was sworn in as the federal minister for interior. Earlier the same day, Malik had also taken the oath as a member of the Senate. Malik was elected unopposed in the by-election for the Senate seat vacated by him following a legal battle over his dual nationality. He had subsequently renounced his UK citizenship.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...