Pakistan foreign minister khawaja asif result

A Pakistani court disqualified foreign minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday for dishonesty, dealing another blow to the ruling PML-N party ahead of a crucial general election due in a few months. His disqualification means he will be ineligible to hold public office for life.

SIALKOT – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart Khawaja Muhammad Asif has defeated PTI-backed candidate Rehana Imtiaz Dar in NA Sialkot as results for .

Soon after the verdict, Asif told the media he would challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court. He said he had never concealed his foreign work permit. Asif is a close aide of Sharif and is widely seen as an outspoken critic of military interference in politics. He was serving his fourth consecutive term as a member of the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament.

Sharif and other top PML-N leaders have complained that the judiciary is targeting the party ahead of the general election, expected in July, at the behest of the military.

Asif's victory was challenged in elections by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Ticketholder and Independent candidate and mother of former election rival Usman Dar, she alleged that he had rigged the whole election, on which Election Commission of Pakistan stopped the final results.

Speaking shortly after the verdict against Asif, Sharif urged PML-N workers to mobilise ahead of the elections no matter what happens in the courts. Sharif and some family members are facing a Supreme Court-ordered trial in an anti-corruption court, which is expected to make a ruling next month. Sharif could face prison if convicted. The bench observed Asif had taken the stance that the employment contracts were executed merely to fulfil requirements under the laws of the UAE.

Dar lost the election to Asif in Dar alleged Asif had an unlimited term contract with International Mechanical and Electrical Co and that he was hired as a full-time employee in July The petition pointed out the work permit was valid till June During the hearing, Asif submitted a letter from the company that said he was not a full-time employee and only worked as a consultant.