Lahore: In an embarrassment for Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter had to resign following court orders from the chairperson of his multi-billion Youth Loan Programme.
On Tuesday, the Lahore High Court had instructed the government to replace Maryam Nawaz as she had “no experience to the head Rs 100 billion programme.” 41-year-old Maryam controlled the fund for giving soft business loans to the youth announced by Prime Minister Sharif.
“I had no pressure to resign. An able person should be appointed new chairperson of the Youth Loan Programme,” she said after tendering her resignation yesterday. Maryam said she has not done anything wrong in the disbursement of funds. Petitioner, Zubair Niazi, a local leader of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, argued in the court that her appointment was a case of “sheer nepotism.”
He alleged that it was made in violation of the law and several judgements passed by the Supreme Court. Niazi further said neither a public notice nor an advertisement was issued before the appointment. LHC Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah said the court was showing grace by giving a chance to the government to change the chairperson in a lawful and transparent manner. During the hearing, Deputy Attorney General Amir Rehman presented academic credentials of Maryam, but withdrew them after failing to answer whether the PhD degree was earned or honorary.
“Perhaps it is honorary”, Rehman said. The judge adjourned the hearing till tomorrow and directed him to come up with a lawful and transparent mechanism for fresh appointment along with academic credentials of Maryam.
“Seeing the mood of the court the government has decided to remove her,” a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader told PTI. “The prime minister may not take chances to give her any other important slot,” he said. (PTI)
