LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought a reply from Maryam Nawaz on a petition challenging her appointment as chairperson of the Prime Minister Youth Loan Programme.

A local leader of the PTI, Zubair Niazi,, filed the petition saying the appointment was a result of sheer nepotism.

A deputy attorney general sought time to file a reply on behalf of the federal government on the issue.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah allowed the request and adjourned hearing till Nov 5.

The petitioner argued the appointment of Maryam was made in violation of law. He asked the court to set aside appointment and restrain Maryam from working till the final disposal of the main petition.

MINOR GIRL:Justice Shahzada Mazhar sought a report from the ministries of interior and foreign affairs on removal of an under-treatment minor girl from India to the UK.

The judge was hearing a petition of Christian woman Greta Roz, a resident of Gulberg’s Jinnah Park.

The petitioner said her daughter-in-law Shabnam had gone to India on a business tour along with her granddaughter, Jumera Jaan, 4, in June. Shabnam died in an accident while her granddaughter was admitted to an Amritsar hospital.

The petitioner pointed out that girl’s maternal aunt Shazia Naz was making efforts to get her custody. She said Naz escaped along with the girl to Dubai and had now reached the UK.

The judge asked the two ministries to explain their position.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2014