ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday questioned if disqualified foreign minister Kh Asif had misused his authority to secure a raise in salary from a company he worked for in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hearing an appeal against the Islamabad High Court verdict that disqualified the PML-N leader on April 27 under Article 62 (1)(f) of the constitution for failing to disclose his employment in a UAE company and the monthly salary he was receiving, Justice Umar Ata Bandiyal inquired if the minister’s salary raise – from AED 9,000 to AED 30,000 and then AED 50,000 – was based on his performance. Kh Asif’s lawyer Munir A Malik responded that it was the result of good suggestions that his client had made to the company. In his arguments, Malik stated that his client was in ‘serious employment’ in the UAE and was receiving wages against it. He stated that the IHC in its verdict had made observations that the PML-N leader had deceived the UAE government. He argued that before coming into politics, his client was a banker and worked for the BCCI. He said that according to the UAE labour laws, a worker has to work eight hours a day, adding that Kh Asif after signing the contract with the UAE firm had entered into an accord with them which was acceptable to both the parties. Justice Bandial remarked that Asif was an advisor, but the contract was of a worker. The counsel replied that it is the interpretation of the contract as the term worker could be used for legal advisor or a management advisor as well. Concluding his arguments, Malik contended that the high court was not justified in concluding a lack of honesty in relation to non-disclosure of the dormant bank account of his client without giving any reasons or any evidence establishing such dishonesty. During the hearing, Justice Bandial remarked that Kh Asif could be restored as federal minister if the verdict on his disqualification is overturned. Later, the court adjourned the hearing untilMay31. Kh Asif’s counsel has completed his arguments and on the next date of hearing, petitioner Usman Dar’s lawyer will argue his case. In his petition, Kh Asif has contended that he had not concealed his foreign bank account intentionally while submitting his nomination forms for the 2013 general elections. He also contended that the IHC declared the mistake ‘dishonesty’ without any evidence, which was against the norms of justice. He requested the apex court to declare the IHC verdict null and void and the notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan should be withdrawn by declaring that not mentioning the deactivated account in the nomination forms was a mistake. Published in Daily Times, May 22nd 2018.