After Sharif, Islamabad HC Disqualifies FM Khawaja Asif as MP

A three-member bench of the Islamabad High Court disqualified Khawaja Asif for holding a UAE work permit.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif adjusts his necktie during a joint press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Image used for representational purpose. 

(Photo: AP)

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif was disqualified as a member of parliament by a three-member bench of the Islamabad High Court, on Thursday, 26 April, for holding a UAE work permit.

A petition was filed against Usman Dar – a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party, seeking Asif's disqualification.

In the petition, Dar stated that Asif was entitled to draw a salary, but hadn't declared this receivable asset while filing his nomination papers for the 2013 election, Pakistan daily Dawn reported.

As per the report, the bench of judges said that Asif was not qualified to contest the General Election of 2013, and directed Pakistan's Election Commission to disqualify him from his parliamentary status.

Speaking to Geo TV, a pakistani news channel, Asif said, “I never concealed my iqama (work permit).”