The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday granted the federal government more time to file its response against allegations that interim prime minister Nasirul Mulk had made excessive use of state resources during a personal tour, soon after assuming the caretaker role.

On Jun 5, Barrister Javed Iqbal Jafri, in his petition, had objected to Mulk's alleged use of government funds during his visit to his hometown of Swat which, he further claimed, the PM had made very soon after taking oath, "instead of tending to his responsibilities".

According to the petition, Mulk caused the national treasury losses of millions of rupees by using a 22-car convoy and security protocol on the said trip.

The petitioner had requested the court to recover from Mulk any expenses in excess of the norm and deposit them back into the national treasury.

On June 8, the high court, after accepting the petition, had directed the federal government to file its response, but upon not receiving one, convened today again to demand an explanation.

The state attorney requested the court for some more time to file a response, granting which the court scheduled the next hearing for August 27.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...
Saudi FM’s visit
Updated 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi FM’s visit

The government of Shehbaz Sharif will have to manage a delicate balancing act with Pakistan’s traditional Saudi allies and its Iranian neighbours.
Dharna inquiry
17 Apr, 2024

Dharna inquiry

THE Supreme Court-sanctioned inquiry into the infamous Faizabad dharna of 2017 has turned out to be a damp squib. A...
Future energy
17 Apr, 2024

Future energy

PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive to the energy sector to curtail Pakistan’s staggering $27bn oil...