The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday disposed of a petition challenging Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s appointment as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the petitioner sought to withdraw the case. Justice Awais Khalid directed the petitioner to approach the appropriate forum instead.
Petition Withdrawn After Court Observations
Justice Awais Khalid passed the order while hearing a petition filed by citizen Ashba Kamran against Naqvi’s appointment as PCB chairman. During the hearing, counsel for the PCB opposed the petition and argued that Naqvi had been appointed PCB chairman after fulfilling all legal requirements. The lawyer further contended that the law governing the PCB does not prescribe any specific qualification for the office of chairman.
The petitioner argued that a senator could not simultaneously hold another executive office and maintained that Mohsin Naqvi’s appointment as PCB chairman violated Article 90 of the Constitution. The petitioner's counsel noted that Naqvi was appointed PCB chairman on January 20, 2024, and subsequently became a senator and the federal interior minister.
Court Suggests Challenging Senate Membership
At one stage, the court observed that if the petitioner believed a senator could not hold dual offices, then the petitioner should challenge Naqvi’s Senate membership. The court further remarked that it would be appropriate for the petitioner to withdraw the plea and seek relief before the competent authority. The petitioner subsequently withdrew the petition, following which the court disposed of the matter.
Background of the Case
The petition had named the prime minister, the Senate chairman, and others as respondents. It contended that while Mohsin Naqvi had been appointed interior minister in accordance with the Constitution, a senator could not hold any executive office other than as a member of the federal cabinet. It further alleged that the Senate chairman had failed to take action over Naqvi’s appointment as PCB chairman and requested the court to declare the notification appointing him as PCB chairman illegal.
