Disqualification of Jahangir Tareen: A Move to Counterbalance Nawaz Sharif’s Conviction

Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen were disqualified for life over five years ago based on a Supreme Court judgement that determined their disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution would be permanent. The disqualification of Nawaz Sharif in July 2017 stemmed from his failure to disclose a salary from his son’s company in Dubai, despite Sharif’s claim that he never received the money. Similarly, Tareen was disqualified by the Supreme Court for submitting a false statement to conceal his property in the United Kingdom. Article 62(1)(f) states that a person must be wise, righteous, non-profligate, honest, and trustworthy to be eligible for membership in Parliament, unless a court of law declares otherwise. Ishaq Dar, speaking to a private news channel, argued that the disqualification period under Article 62(1)(f) should be five years, not a lifetime. He also alleged that Tareen’s disqualification was intended to balance out Nawaz Sharif’s conviction, suggesting a plan to keep the PML-N leader out of politics. Dar further claimed that the cases against Sharif were politically motivated. When asked about seat adjustments in the upcoming elections, Dar confirmed that they were open to discussions with various political parties, including PTI, provided they did not engage in violence. Dar also advised President Dr Arif Alvi to resign since his constitutional term had ended. In response to another question, Dar expressed that Nawaz Sharif would not confront the military leadership, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to work together within the limits of the constitution. He praised the current military leadership for their honesty and competence, and commended their efforts in establishing the Special Investment Facilitation Council and implementing agricultural and IT initiatives.