In a move that has sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government has appointed Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister, a post not provided for in the Constitution, according to PTI officials.
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Special Assistant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister For Information, condemned the decision, accusing the Sharif family of nepotism and self-serving distribution of national positions. “The federal government is handing out posts instead of resolving the issues faced by the people,” Saif emphasized.
The appointment, made via a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, drew immediate backlash from PTI, with Saif’s remarks underscoring concerns over what they perceive as an unconstitutional maneuver.
Ishaq Dar, a prominent figure within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and a close aide to party supremo Nawaz Sharif, previously served as the country’s finance minister on four occasions. His latest appointment as deputy prime minister comes amidst speculation regarding the government’s intentions and priorities.
Analysts have raised questions about the legality and implications of Dar’s appointment. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat), described the move as “an extra-constitutional step that carries no substantial value,” suggesting it reflects internal power struggles rather than a focus on national interests.
Lawyer Abdul Moiz Jaferii highlighted the absence of legal clarity in the notification regarding Dar’s appointment, adding to the growing skepticism surrounding the decision.
However, Supreme Court Advocate Basil Nabi Malik offered a contrasting view, citing Article 90(2) of the Constitution, which grants the prime minister authority to act through federal ministers, potentially justifying Dar’s appointment.
As debates intensify and criticisms mount, Dar’s elevation to the role of deputy prime minister underscores the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s political landscape, where power struggles and constitutional interpretations collide.
