Constitution, law mutilated till two years ago: Irfan Qadir

ISLAMABAD: Senior jurist and constitutional expert Irfan Qadir Advocate, who was designated consultant for legal affairs to the president by the government, would be appellant authority against judgments of all ombudsmen of various sectors in the country beside his advisory assignments.

He will assume his responsibilities in the Aiwan-e-Sadr Secretariat next week and will get privileges and perks equivalent to a judge of the Supreme Court.

Irfan Qadir has served as Attorney General and judge of Lahore High Court. He had worked as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) in the PDM government of Shehbaz Sharif with the status of federal minister.

Sources in the federal government told The News that Irfan Qadir had served President Asif Ali Zardari as legal adviser 12 years ago during his first stint as the head of the state.

In a brief chat on Wednesday, the constitutional expert claimed that till two years ago, Constitution and law were violated by then government. It inflicted injury to the national interest and to prestige of the country, which also hampered the economy and political stability.

“Every department now has to take exceptional care while shouldering responsibilities. The significance of the role and guidance of the presidency couldn’t be underestimated for keeping the country’s affairs on the right track,” he said.

He is of the view that legal fraternity and the people are satisfied that legal, constitutional and national affairs are in the safe and competent hands.