ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court is to take up a disqualification petition against Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif over possessing a foreign work permit, also known as ‘Iqama’ in the gulf countries.

The petition has been filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Usman Dar, seeking Khawaja Asif’s ouster as Foreign Minister over non-disclosure his Iqama, a permit to work in the UAE.

The petitioner has adopted a stance that Asif is ineligible to hold the office of MNA as well as federal minister for being a party to an ‘unlimited term employment contract’ between him and UAE-based International Mechanical and Electrical Co (IMECO).

“Asif has been hired as a full-time employee of IMECO since July 2, 2011 and served at various positions, including legal and special advisor,” the PTI leader claimed in his petition.

According to the contract signed between two parties, Asif was to receive a monthly basic salary of AED35,000 along with a monthly allowance of AED15,000.

Asif is still receiving the salary and allowance while serving as foreign minister, the petitioner claimed while requesting the court to disqualify him.

A larger bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq had sought a written reply on the matter from the foreign minister after declaring the petition against him maintainable at the last hearing.