The Lahore High Court yesterday, reserved its verdict in a petition challenging the appointment of prime minister’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, as chairperson of multi-billion Prime Minister Youth Loan Programme (PMYLP).
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah took up the case and reserved the judgment until Friday on the request of the Federation’s counsel.
According to sources, Advocate Raza prayed to the court that the defence be granted some more time as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was out of the country and only he had the right to appoint or remove the chairperson of PMYLP.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Amir Rehman, brought to the knowledge of the court that Maryam had no role in sanctioning the loans under the scheme, adding, she was only a focal person.
To this, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked, “Can I appoint my cook –in a higher office– after declaring him a focal person? What will happen if the prime minister invests an illiterate with this responsibility –the office of PMYLP chairperson?”
Earlier on Monday, the court called into question Sharif’s prerogative to appoint his own daughter as chairperson of the scheme.
The court also remarked that if Maryam’s post was merely ceremonial then it should be abolished.
