LHC Ends Challenge to Naqvi’s PCB Role

Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed a petition opposing Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s appointment as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. The petitioner, Ashba Kamran, withdrew the case after the court advised pursuing the issue elsewhere. Justice Awais Khalid oversaw the ruling during the hearing.

Counsel for the PCB argued that Naqvi met all legal criteria for the role. They stated no law specifies qualifications for PCB chairman. The petitioner countered that a senator cannot hold executive positions beyond the federal cabinet. They claimed Naqvi’s appointment violated Article 90 of the Constitution.

During arguments, the court questioned the petitioner’s stance. It suggested challenging Naqvi’s Senate membership if dual roles are deemed invalid. The judge urged the petitioner to drop the case and seek relief through proper channels. Kamran then withdrew the petition, ending the legal dispute.

The case named Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Siddique Malik, and others as respondents. It alleged Naqvi’s appointment as PCB chairman was unconstitutional. The petitioner also accused the Senate chairman of inaction over the matter. They requested the court to invalidate the notification appointing Naqvi to the PCB role.

Naqvi was appointed PCB chairman on January 20, 2024. He later became a senator and retained his Interior Ministry position. The court’s ruling clarified no specific qualifications exist for the PCB chairman role under current law.

This decision resolves a constitutional debate over whether senators can hold executive positions. The court emphasized resolving such issues through appropriate legal forums. Naqvi’s appointment remains valid following the petitioner’s withdrawal.