Supreme Court hears dual nationality case

ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Monday said in his remarks while hearing the case of dual nationality of the parliamentarians that it will have to be seen on what grounds Rehman Malik held the position of a minister during 2008 when he was a dual national.

"Rehman Malik was a British national in 2008, therefore, the legal status of steps taken by him as a minister will have to be ascertained," the Chief Justice said pointing to Rehman Malik's counsel while heading a three-judge bench which heard the case.

He said Yousuf Raza Gilani's steps had been declared unconstitutional after he was rendered ineligible. What remains to be seen is for what reasons Rehman Malik had resigned the Senate membership and at what point in time he quit the British nationality, the Chief Justice added.

On the failure of Attorney General's appearance before the court, he said although the Attorney General did not show up to assist in the case, the court would not go and force him to come before it.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till tomorrow (Tuesday).