The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised profound constitutional questions over the executive authority wielded by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, demanding legal justification for the powers associated with his office during a hearing on Thursday.

The query emerged during proceedings for a petition filed by MNA Sher Afzal Marwat, which challenges Mr. Dar’s dual appointments as both Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directly asked the finance minister’s counsel to pinpoint the specific constitutional provision that grants executive powers to a Deputy Prime Minister.

‘Where in the Constitution does it say that the Deputy Prime Minister can exercise executive powers?’ Justice Soomro queried. The judge further illustrated his point with a hypothetical remark, asking, ‘If tomorrow the Deputy Prime Minister declares himself Assistant Prime Minister as well, what will we do then?’

Justice Soomro observed that while such governmental roles might be established in nations like France, Iran, or Turkey, Pakistan’s governance framework operates under its own distinct constitution. ‘We must follow the Constitution,’ he asserted, instructing Mr. Dar’s counsel, Adeel Wahid, to prepare detailed arguments to assist the court in the matter.

The court’s probe into the issue contrasts with the government’s earlier position in a similar case before the Sindh High Court. In a written response to that petition, the government had maintained that Mr. Dar’s designation as Deputy Prime Minister was purely ‘honorary’ and did not entail the exercise of any executive functions.

The IHC has adjourned the hearing, with the court anticipating a comprehensive explanation at the next session regarding the constitutional foundation, if any, for the executive powers of the Deputy Prime Minister’s office.