The Islamabad High Court will hear former interior minister and Awami Muslim League Founder Sheikh Rashid Ahmad’s petition challenging the current strength of the federal cabinet tomorrow (Tuesday), reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday. 

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah will hear the former interior minister’s petition.

In his petition, Sh Rashid pleaded with the court to declare 69 appointments of ministers and aides null and void stating that only 11 percent could become ministers out of the total strength of the National Assembly members. 

He said under Article 92/1 of the Constitution, the current strength of the federal cabinet was illegal. He beseeched the court to void extra appointments of ministers and assistances, besides requesting it to stop the cabinet ministers and aides from working till the final decision of the court in this case.

The petition made federation and Prime Minister respondents through his secretary and law ministry. 

Currently, the size of federal cabinet has swelled to 70 members as it consists of 34 federal ministers, including one without portfolio, seven ministers of state, four advisers to the PM and 25 SAPMs. 

On Sept 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed eight special assistants for himself apparently in an attempt to keep the allies in good humour. 

Reporter Ehtisham Kiyani